The white flesh of the pods is very soft and has a sweet taste like vanilla ice cream. Hence the name for this tropical tree from the rainforests of South America. The species is found in much of northern South America, where it can reach a height of 30 metres. The tree makes a broad crown, so the species is regularly planted on coffee and cocoa plantations to provide shade for those plants. It is also a fast grower and can make soil more fertile by fixing nitrogen at its roots. But the tree has been planted for thousands of years mainly because people like the taste of its flesh. 

The white flowers have prominent protruding stamens and are pollinated by ants in the rainforest. The green pods then form, which can be as long as 1 metre and contain 10-20 seeds each. The species can be kept with us as a houseplant, requiring pruning. Provide a light location. 

Sowing description: The short-lived seeds can be sown directly in sowing soil. Keep soil constantly slightly moist and allow to germinate at 25-30grC. 

Family: Fabaceae
Scientific name: Inga edulis
Common name: Ice-cream bean
Native to: South America

Sowing time: Year-round
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 10 degrees Celsius