Ice Cream Bean, Feuileei (Inga feuilleei)
The Ice Cream Bean Tree (Inga feuilleei) is a tropical delight, famous for its sweet, vanilla-flavored fruits that resemble long pods. Ideal for fruit enthusiasts and those seeking an exotic addition to their garden, this tree can reach up to 60 feet in its natural habitat, though it is often smaller in cultivation. Its lush, green, pinnate leaves create a dense canopy, providing excellent shade.
The tree's unique fruit, with its cottony, ice cream-like pulp, is a favorite for its delicious taste. Roast the seeds for a protein-packed treat, but don't eat them raw. Also, the pulp is full of dietary fiber, polyphenols, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories! Inga feuilleei is well-suited for tropical or subtropical climates and prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It likes full sun to partial shade and regular watering, especially during dry spells, until well established.
Beyond its edible fruit, the Ice Cream Bean Tree is valued for its nitrogen-fixing ability, enhancing soil quality, making it a great choice for eco-conscious gardeners. Whether for its tasty fruit, shade, or environmental benefits, Inga feuilleei is a versatile and rewarding tree to grow.
Plant Type:
Tropical Fruit Tree
Harvest Season:
Late Summer, Fall
Mature Size:
Up to 60 ft.
Soil & Moisture:
Moist, well-draining, sandy, rich. Salt tolerant
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Very Fast
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection until well-established; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Medium Pot Size: Grown from seed and capable of flower and fruit within 1-3 years
Large Pot Size: Capable of producing within 2-3 years
X-Large Pot Size: Capable of producing within 1 year
