ICE CREAM BEAN, Inga edulis

A large attractive tree with spreading branches and lovely white and yellow pompom type flowers. The pods look similar to a tamarind pod. Surrounding the inedible black seeds is a thick white juicy pulp that tastes very much like vanilla icecream. The tree has the added advantage of being nitrogen fixing and is a good choice as a fast growing shade tree.

Weed Warning: This is an attractive fast growing legume tree native to Central and South America. Over the last 10 years it has gained popularity in Australia as a nitrogen fixing tree that produces large velvety pods filled with creamy sweet flesh. Its popularity has also generated concerns about its potential to spread, with the main area of concern in NSW from Taree to the Tweed region.

140mm | $12.90 AU | Seeking Propagation Material |

Tips on Ice Cream Bean ^BETA

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Ice Cream Bean

An observation-left outside in a pot for 4yrs.Hamered by frost' but survived.Once planted grew quickly and is fruiting profusely | Bill Yates - Blacktown, NSW 20-May-2006

Ice Cream Bean

Planted one on the nature strip 4 years ago and it's now 10 foot tall. Beautiful weeping foliage, nitrogen fixer, interesting flowers and delicious fruit. Tough as nails once established. Appreciates good water. | David White - Newcastle, NSW 02-Jun-2006

Ice Cream Bean

Grew in full shade took ages to fruit-possum love it so do bats | Brent Ireland - Northgate, QLD 29-Jun-2006

Ice Cream Bean

Planted by Council next to road - spreads exceedingly fast during summer and requires pruning to keep it off the road. Takes a while before good volumes of plump fruit are produced. | Carol Leung - West End, QLD 10-Feb-2007

Ice Cream Bean

Created a nice little micro climate out of the wind, but just wanted to let you know it grows well as far south as Phillip Island, Victoria | Paul Toovey - Cowes, VIC 20-Nov-2007

Ice Cream Bean

This tree is awesome,I usually grow rare chillies and out of the blue I bought it it was at the end of last summer and wow it is fruiting already but fruit is not ripe yet | Luke Watts - Earlwood, NSW 15-Jan-2008

Ice Cream Bean

WE have 10 acres next to a creek our tree is about 15 years old and is HUGE!IT'S ABOUT THE SIZE of a Circus tent | Jack Kennedy - Albany Creek, QLD 23-Feb-2008

Ice Cream Bean

This is a noxious weed and should not be planted in rural situations where it can spread into the environment. I poisoned all of our dozen or so trees. | David Mcminn - Nimbin, NSW 04-Mar-2008

Ice Cream Bean

Just harvested first time nice flavour grew ok we are near the sea illawarra region nsw now 4 meters high | Greg Stewart - Bulli, NSW 03-Apr-2008

Ice Cream Bean

We have several I. edulis here, all about 15 years old. All about 10m tall. Passiflora edulis var flavicarpa (yellow passionfruit) loves growing amongst these guys, and will grow to the canopy, fruiting profusely. | Jason - Coomera, QLD 23-May-2008

Updated: 25th of January, 2007 at 5:39pm © Disclaimer/Privacy/Copyright