Ice Cream Bean Tree

Ice Cream Bean Tree Overview

The Ice Cream Bean is an evergreen tree, native to S. Tropical America. It has a broad, spreading crown and may grow up to 20 metres tall. As a result, it is commonly used as a shade tree for perennial crops, and considered to be among the most important Neotropical shade tree plants. The fruits are pendant, and can grow up to 1 m long. The seeds, which can vary in number from 10–20, are embedded in the sweet, cottony, white jelly-like pulp, which gives it its common name. Beyond its edible fruits, Inga edulis is also an economically-important species as it grows well on acidic soils. It is thought to have a positive fertilising effect, maintaining soil moisture, controlling erosion, and suppressing weeds.

Special features of Ice Cream Bean Tree

Attractive fruits