Inga quaternata

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. The crown can be round or spreading. It grows 5-15 m tall. The trunk is straight and 25 cm across. The flowers are white. The fruit is a pod 3-18 cm long by 2-3 cm wide.

Also as Mimosaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in wet lowlands. It grows from sea level to 600 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil, Caribbean, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, North America, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, South America, West Indies

How it is used for food

The thin pulp around the seeds is eaten raw.

It is only occasionally eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit pulp

How it is grown

Plants grow easily from fresh seeds. Seeds germinate in 1-2 weeks given moisture and shade.

It is a fast growing tree. Plants flower and fruit irregularly throughout the year.

Its other names

Local names

Bribri, Churimo, Inga-azeda, Pairajo, Shimbillo

Synonyms

Inga maxoniana Pittier; Inga mutisii Britton & Killip; Inga roussoviana Pittier; Inga santanderensis Britton & Killip; Inga schippii Standl.; Inga williamsii Pittier;