Ruiz inga
Inga ruiziana

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A tree. It is usually 10-15 m tall but can be 30 m tall. The leaves have leaflets in 4 or 5 pairs. The pair at the base are smaller. The young leaflets are hairy. The pods vary in size. They can be 7-22 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. They are yellow when fully ripe. The pods can be curved or straight.

There are 350 Inga species. Also as Mimosaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in wet and moist lowland forests. It can also grow up to 2,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon (country/location of origin), Bolivia (country/location of origin), Brazil (country/location of origin), Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador (country/location of origin), Nicaragua, Panama, Peru (country/location of origin), South America, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The sweet pulp is eaten.

Fruit are sold in markets.

Edible parts

Pod pulp, fruit - aril

How it is grown

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

Its other names

Local names

Ahuapi xenane, Allpa manka pakay, Ananqueneo, Bene, Bribri, Gumo, Killu pakay, Minga shiichi tape, Muun sampi, Noca pene, Pacai del Monte, Rufindi, Sesenga fino, Wakra pakay, Yacupacai

Synonyms

Feuilleea ruiziana (G. Don) Kuntze; Inga confusa Britton & Rose; Inga fagifolia G. Don; Inga foliosa Benth.;