Cushin, Micheli inga
Inga micheliana

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 6-8 m tall. The crown is spreading.

Also as Mimosaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows beside rivers. It grows in moist forests. It grows between 800-1,800 m above sea level. It can grow in a range of soils including limestone.

Countries/locations it is found in

Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, North America, Panama

How it is used for food

The leaves are used to wrap tamales to give a purple colour. The white layer around the seeds (aril) is eaten fresh.

Edible parts

Leaves - colouring, fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown by seeds or green wood cuttings. Plants grow easily from fresh seeds. Seeds germinate in 1-2 weeks given moisture and shade.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Inga cobanensis Pittier; Inga tuerckheimii Pittier;