{"id":1771,"date":"2023-12-24T08:49:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-24T00:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.org.au\/wp\/?page_id=1771"},"modified":"2024-02-08T21:55:30","modified_gmt":"2024-02-08T13:55:30","slug":"inga-edulis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/fruit-trees\/inga-edulis\/","title":{"rendered":"Inga edulis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Inga edulis<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Inga, ice cream bean<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"alignnormal\"><div id=\"metaslider-id-1950\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-90-1 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-1950 ml-slider ms-theme-default nav-hidden\" role=\"region\" aria-roledescription=\"Slideshow\" aria-label=\"Inga edulis\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_1950\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_1950\">\n            <ul class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-3603 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"slide-3603\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/I-edulis-inflorescences.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/I-edulis-inflorescences-300x300.jpg\" height=\"300\" width=\"300\" alt=\"Inflorescences\" class=\"slider-1950 slide-3603\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-1951 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"slide-1951\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Inga-edulis-foliar-nectary.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Inga-edulis-foliar-nectary-300x300.png\" height=\"300\" width=\"300\" alt=\"Inga edulis foliar nectary\" class=\"slider-1950 slide-1951\" title=\"Inga edulis has a squat foliar nectary, useful for identification\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-1952 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"slide-1952\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Inga-edulis-pods.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Inga-edulis-pods-300x300.jpg\" height=\"300\" width=\"300\" alt=\"Mature pods\" class=\"slider-1950 slide-1952\" title=\"Mature pods\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-3604 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"slide-3604\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/insignis-inforescence.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/insignis-inforescence-300x300.jpg\" height=\"300\" width=\"300\" alt=\"Inflorescences of the most common species in WA \u2013 I insgnis\" class=\"slider-1950 slide-3604\" title=\"Inflorescences of the most common species in WA \u2013 I insgnis\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-1953 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" aria-label=\"slide-1953\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Inga-insignis-pod.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Inga-insignis-pod-300x300.jpg\" height=\"300\" width=\"300\" alt=\"Young insignis pods, the Inga species commonly found in SW WA\" class=\"slider-1950 slide-1953\" title=\"maturing insignis pods\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Origin<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>It is native to tropical South America and was long ago spread throughout Central America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Climate<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Prefers lowland moist and hot tropics but adaptable to sub-tropical conditions in native highlands up to 2000m. Optimal mean temperature range is 21-28\u00b0C but can withstand up to 33\u00b0C. Best rainfall is 1200mm pa, but 3000mm with periods of waterlogging or areas with a dry season of 3-4 months are tolerated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plant Description<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>It is an evergreen tree, to 15m, with a broad spreading canopy. Young twigs are angular in cross-section and covered with short brown hairs. Leaves are <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3352 classtoolTips3352'>pinnate<\/span> with 4-6 pairs of opposite leaflets, the terminal pair being larger than those at the base. Each pair is separated by a distinctive winged <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3378 classtoolTips3378'>rachis<\/span> with a central <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3323 classtoolTips3323'>nectary<\/span> gland. Rapid growth is usual in its favoured environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Relatives<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Inga species are members of the Fabaceae Family which also includes peanut, carob, tamarind and licorice, and are excellent nitrogen fixers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soils<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>It prospers in soils of all types within an extended pH range of 4-8. A symbiotic association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria and <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3321 classtoolTips3321'>mycorrhiza<\/span> is formed, giving it an exceptional endogenous nutritional capacity. As a consequence it grows in poorly fertile soils where many other plants struggle, and it will also improve surrounding soil fertility. It can handle some waterlogging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Propagation<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Exclusively by seeds which germinate rapidly and easily. However they are <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3381 classtoolTips3381'>recalcitrant<\/span> and <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3779 classtoolTips3779'>viviparous<\/span> so need to be sown fresh. Amazonian farmers prefer trees that produce deep black seeds (which they call \u2018female\u2019) over lightly coloured ones (called \u2018male\u2019) as the former are more productive. Some <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3457 classtoolTips3457'>varieties<\/span> produce polyembryonic seeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cultivars<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>None. However over many centuries, opportunistic selection of superior trees has resulted in cultivated types being better than those growing wild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flowering and Pollination<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Flowers are arranged in dense <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3145 classtoolTips3145'>axillary<\/span> <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3412 classtoolTips3412'>spikes<\/span>. They are <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3129 classtoolTips3129'>androgynous<\/span> and tubular with many showy white <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3417 classtoolTips3417'>stamens<\/span>. A 3-4 year old plant may produce up to 100,000 flowers but <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3250 classtoolTips3250'>fruit set<\/span> is only about 1%. This may be improved with <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3195 classtoolTips3195'>cross-pollination<\/span>. The fragrant flowers and <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3323 classtoolTips3323'>nectaries<\/span> attract bees and other insects which are thought to effect <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3363 classtoolTips3363'>pollination<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cultivation<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>It should be planted where it will receive full sunlight. Inter-cropping with other fruit trees such as coffee and cacao is common, as they provide shade and soil enrichment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Wind Tolerance<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from their many other uses, they are sometimes used as windbreaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pruning<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>They can be coppiced quite severely for structural reasons and will continue to be fruitful. Large trees may need to be pruned constantly, and the prunings can be used as firewood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Fruit<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>It is a large green <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3285 classtoolTips3285'>indehiscent<\/span> ridged <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3359 classtoolTips3359'>pod<\/span>, up to 1.5m long, filled with 2-3cm long black seeds which are surrounded by a white cottony edible pulp containing 15-20% carbohydrates. They take several months from flowering to mature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the species other than <em>edulis, <\/em>the size and appearance of the <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3359 classtoolTips3359'>pods<\/span> varies widely, as does the flavour and quality of the pulp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fruit Production and Harvesting<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Under ideal conditions the first fruit may set within 2 years, and by the fifth there may be up to 300 pods. Inga is a very productive tree with yields of over 1000kg\/tree reported. Mature fruit do not <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3115 classtoolTips3115'>abscise<\/span> and must be picked. The pod pulp, 20% of fresh fruit weight, is accessed by twisting the fibrous <span class='tooltipsall tooltip_post_id_3347 classtoolTips3347'>pericarp<\/span>. Fruiting season is approximately May through August. Fruits are harvested when fully rounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fruit Uses<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Usually eaten fresh but also in processed forms. In South America they are used for the production of the alcoholic beverage, cachiri. In Mexico, pods are roasted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pests and Diseases<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>Pod-boring insects, fungus. Healthy and vigorous trees are generally free of major problems. However moist and humid climates can increase the risk of fungal diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Comments<\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>The genus has more than 300 species with some 50 producing edible fruit. There is not a lot of published material about them, and it is difficult to identify species. There are many variations in appearance, eating quality and growth habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you buy \u201c<em>Inga edulis<\/em>\u201d seeds or plants, be advised that nurseries also are often incorrect about the identity of what they are selling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a versatile and hardy fruit tree that can be extremely productive, and it\u2019s kind to home growers, with fruiting over a staggered period. If you are inclined to grow one, try and ensure it\u2019s propagated from one of the long black \u2018female\u2019 type seeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of the <em>Inga<\/em> species, only <em>I. edulis<\/em> is invasive. It is deemed an environmental weed in the shires between Taree and Tweed on the East Coast (no reports of problems in WA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:120px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Inga edulis Inga, ice cream bean Origin It is native to tropical South America and was long ago spread throughout Central America. Climate Prefers lowland moist and hot tropics but adaptable to sub-tropical conditions in native highlands up to 2000m. Optimal mean temperature range is 21-28\u00b0C but can withstand up to 33\u00b0C. Best rainfall is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":15,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"iawp_total_views":674,"footnotes":""},"folder":[94],"class_list":["post-1771","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1771","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1771"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1771\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3492,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1771\/revisions\/3492"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1771"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarefruitclub.au\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/folder?post=1771"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}