Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean)

Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) young plant with green leaves in a plastic container
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) young plant growing within a gray plastic container of soil

Botanical name: Inga spectabilis

Common names: Ice Cream Bean, Guabo, Guaba machete

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Mimosoideae

Origin: Central and Southern America

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-11

Plant type: Fruit
Fruit type: Ice cream bean
Large tree taller than 20 ftPlant form: Large tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 20 ft or more
Full sunSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor
Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeCold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
White, off-white flowersFlower color: White and off-white
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; large gardens

The Inga spectabilis is very rare in cultivation. It is also called the Machete Ice Cream Bean because of its shape. Like the more common Inga edulis, this Ice Cream Bean has seeds that are surrounded by delicious white and soft flesh. Because the seed pot has a thicker shell, it is more resistant to external influences. In tropical conditions a seedling can give fruit after 3 years. The tree is very vigorous and fast growing, in favorable conditions it can reach a height of more than 30 ft. The Machete Ice Cream Bean is also can be used as an ornamental shade tree.

Watch the video: How to plant Ice Cream Bean Tree: Eating the fruit and planting the tree.

Similar plants: Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean)


Image gallery: 10 images
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) deep green leaves covering the sturdy woody tree trunk
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) broad green leaves surrounding the textured brown tree trunk base.
Inga spectabilis green fruit hanging from branches in a close up image
Inga spectabilis long green fruit hanging from woody stems with dark leaves
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) brown fruit hanging from tree branches with dark green leaves
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) hanging brown pods attached to thick stems and dark foliage.
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) green fruit hanging from a branch among dark leaves
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) hanging long green fruit pods attached to a woody branch
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) brown fruit close up hanging from a tree branch.
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) brown fruit cluster hanging from tree branch with dark leaves.
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) brown pod with white pulp and black seed close up
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) opened pod revealing fluffy white pulp and one black seed
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) brown fruit hanging among dark green leaves on tree
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) brown fruit hanging among dark green leaves on the tree
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) brown fruit hanging from branches on a large tree
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) showing long brown fruit clusters hanging from thick green foliage
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) split open green pod with white pulp close up
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) showing a split pod filled with soft white pulp inside
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) green fruit on a plate, close up shot.
Inga spectabilis (Ice Cream Bean) fruit piled high on a plate for better clarity.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/inga_spectabilis.htm
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