Skip to main content

Inga gracilifolia

Ducke

Gracefulleaf inga

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Robin Heymans, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Robin Heymans

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Robin Heymans, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Robin Heymans

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Robin Heymans, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Robin Heymans

Description

A tropical tree in the Fabaceae family producing long fruit pods. It grows easily from seed, with germination occurring in 1-2 weeks in moist, shaded conditions.

Edible Uses

Although we have no specific information on this species, the pulp surrounding the seeds of many members of the genus is sweet and edible.

Traditional Uses

The aril or fleshy layer around the seed is eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

A decoction of the bark is used for treating colic.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Amazon, Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, South America, Venezuela,

Cultivation

Plants grow easily from 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.

Also Known As

Guamo monero, Pacaicillo, Shimbillo, Yari-yari

References (4)

  • Grandtner, M. M. & Chevrette, J., 2013, Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press p 321
  • 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 439
  • Kew Plants of the World On line
  • Roa, J. A. G. & Boada, D. S. G., 2018, Fundación para el Fortalecimiento de la Fruticultura y Plantas Alimenticias no Convencionales en Colombia.

More from Fabaceae