Overview
Inga edulis is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Inga, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Inga edulis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5.
About
Inga edulis, known as ice-cream bean, paterna, cushín, joaquiniquil, cuaniquil guama, or guaba, is a fruit native to Central and South America. It is in the mimosoid tribe of the legume family Fabaceae.
About the genus
Inga is a genus of small tropical, tough-leaved, nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs, subfamily Mimosoideae. Inga's leaves are pinnate, and flowers are generally white. Many of the hundreds of species are used ornamentally.
Wikipedia contributors, "Inga", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Inga
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Inga
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Inga edulis size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Inga edulis
- Propagation
- Seed, semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Inga edulis?
Inga edulis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Inga edulis need?
Inga edulis grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Inga edulis hardy in the UK?
Inga edulis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Inga edulis?
Seed, semi-hardwood cuttings.