Ice Cream Bean ( Inga Edulis )
1 x Seeding ( 10 - 20 cm )......................$10
1 x Advanced Seeding ( 25 - 60+ )........$20
This is an attractive fast growing legume tree native to Central and South America.
Grows very well and fast and is extremely hardy to most conditions even frosts. Thrives in the sub - tropics and even in cool temperate climates.
The Ice Cream Bean is an extremely attractive, very large tree. It boasts a vast canopy of spreading branches and lovely showy white and yellow pompom type flowers.
The pods look similar to a tamarind pod but with a fury velvet like cover. The pods or beans are massive and can grow to a length of up to 1m but more commonly, most are around 30-40 cms. Surrounding the inedible black seeds is a very sweet, thick white juicy pulp that tastes very much like vanilla ice cream hence its name Ice Cream Bean.
The tree has the added advantage of being a nitrogen fixing plant with nitrogen filled nodules or balls, on its roots and is a good choice as a fast growing beautiful shade tree. Also a great climbing tree for all ages.
Over the last 10 years it has gained great popularity in Australia as a nitrogen fixing tree that produces large velvety pods filled with creamy sweet flesh and also as a great shade tree.
Being a very hardy tree mixed with its popularity, has also generated some concerns about its potential to spread, with the main area of concern in North Eastern NSW from Taree to the Tweed Heads region.
It is not listed on the governments noxious weeds list in Australia.