Ice Cream Bean
Inga edulis
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Pl. D9B3 — Inga edulis
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IOverview
Overview
The Ice Cream Bean (Inga edulis) is a tree native to the tropical regions of South America, including Argentina Northwest, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela. Known for its edible seedpods that are enjoyed both raw and cooked, this plant thrives in various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and can tolerate a wide range of moisture levels from dry to wet. It prefers full sun to partial shade and grows up to 18 meters tall with a spread of about 7 meters. The tree is notable for its light green foliage and distinctive seedpods that resemble ice cream cones, hence the common name.
Quick answers
What is Ice Cream Bean?
The Ice Cream Bean (Inga edulis) is a tree native to the tropical regions of South America, including Argentina Northwest, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Ice Cream Bean thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 8.5. It is adaptable to light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils but requires regular watering, especially when the soil is dry. This tree can grow up to 18 meters tall and 7 meters wide, making it an impressive addition to gardens in temperate regions with hardiness zones 9-12. Propagate through seeds, which are contained within edible seedpods.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-12
Habit
Tree
Mature size
18.0 m × 7 m
Soil pH
6–8.5
- Seed viability
- 3-5 years
For first-time growers
How to grow Ice Cream Bean for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Ice Cream Bean tree to observe its growth and learn about basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Ice Cream Bean sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are consistently warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with a pH between 6 and 8.5. Use a large pot with drainage holes if planting in containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling to its permanent spot or plant it directly into the ground after hardening off for a few days.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in partial sun to avoid scorching young leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full or partial sun, keep the soil consistently moist, and fertilize with a balanced plant food every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Harvest seedpods when they turn brown and dry on the tree.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun without partial shade, using heavy clay soil, neglecting pruning, and not providing enough space for growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seedpod
Edible uses: The ice cream bean (Inga edulis) is eaten for its seedpods, which are typically harvested when ripe and consumed raw or lightly cooked. They can also be dried and used later. The pods have a sweet, creamy flavor, hence the name "ice cream bean."
Other uses:ContainersFencingFire starterHedgerowSoil conditionerErosion controlLumberCoppiceNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
15 native · 15 introduced
Distribution
15 native · 15 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 15 native· 15 introduced
Americas14 regions
native (8)BoliviaColombiaEcuadorFrench GuianaGuyanaPeruSurinameVenezuela
introduced (6)Costa RicaEl SalvadorGuatemalaHondurasNicaraguaPuerto Rico
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)GabonTanzania
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northwest, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil West-Central, Galápagos, Brazil Southeast
introduced:Gulf of Guinea Is., Jawa, Malaya, Panamá, Trinidad-Tobago, Tuamotu, Tubuai Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Growing zone
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