Inga umbellifera
(Vahl) Steud. ex DC.
Umbellate inga
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(c) Leonardo Álvarez-Alcázar, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Description
A tropical tree in the Fabaceae family that produces long pods containing edible fruit pulp. Seeds germinate easily in 1-2 weeks when provided with moisture and shade.
Edible Uses
Fruit - raw. The white pulp surrounding the seeds has a sweet flavour. The seedpods are 6 - 12cm long and up to 2.5cm wide.
Traditional Uses
The pulp of the fruit is eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, South America, Suriname, Venezuela,
Cultivation
Plants grow easily from fresh seeds. Seeds germinate in 1-2 weeks given moisture and shade.
Other Uses
The wood of Inga species is generally attractive, but it has a coarse texture, is susceptible to attack by dry-wood termites and is not durable in the soil. The wood is used for fuel.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Aam, Ahuatan, Awatan, Capamohue, Guamita, Huama, Jeayo'co, Kapamowe, Noywawe, Pilinga, Quinlli pacai, Shimbillo hoja menuda, Towikawe, Warakosa
References (7)
- Duke, J. A., Amazonian Ethnobotanical Dictionary (As Inga myriantha)
- Grandtner, M. M. & Chevrette, J., 2013, Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press p 327
- Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 448
- Kew Plants of the World On line
- Reis, S. V. and Lipp, F. L., 1982, New Plant Sources for Drugs and Foods from the New York Botanical Garden herbarium. Harvard. p 116
Show all 7 references Hide references
- Roa, J. A. G. & Boada, D. S. G., 2018, Fundación para el Fortalecimiento de la Fruticultura y Plantas Alimenticias no Convencionales en Colombia.
- Torre, de la, L., et al, 2008, Enciclopedia de las Plantas Útiles del Ecuador. Herbario QCA. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. p 348
