Ice cream bean
Inga vera
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Pl. D93E — Inga vera
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IOverview
Overview
The Ice cream bean (Inga vera) is a tree native to Central and South America, found across a wide range including Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. Known for its edible fruit, the plant thrives in moist environments with medium to heavy clay soil and requires full sun. Growing up to 15 meters tall, it is valued not only for its ornamental qualities but also as a source of food. Its distinctive feature lies in the creamy white or pale pink flowers that precede the development of the edible pods, which resemble ice cream cones when ripe.
Quick answers
What is Ice cream bean?
The Ice cream bean (Inga vera) is a tree native to Central and South America, found across a wide range including Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Ice cream bean thrives in full sun and prefers moist, medium to heavy clay soil. It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 10-12. Growing to about 15 meters tall, this plant produces edible fruit. For successful cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist and provide ample sunlight. Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
15.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Ice cream bean for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple Ice cream bean tree to experience growing tropical fruits.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Ice cream bean sapling, well-draining soil, and a sunny spot in your garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the sapling during spring or early summer when temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is rich, moist, and well-draining. For containers, use a mix of loam, sand, and compost.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling to its permanent spot in the garden, ensuring it has enough space to grow.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering. Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to encourage new growth and maintain shape. Harvest the pods when they turn yellow.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The ice cream bean's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, the pods are harvested when they turn yellow and split open to reveal sweet, creamy seeds that can be enjoyed fresh or processed into jams, spreads, or desserts.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
29 native · 1 introduced
Distribution
29 native · 1 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 29 native· 1 introduced
Americas15 regions
native (15)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorGuatemalaHaitiHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaPuerto RicoVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Panamá, Venezuelan Antilles, Windward Is.
introduced:Jawa
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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