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 | In Production | 
| Height | Frost tol. | Pollination req'd | Evergreen/Deciduous | Harvest period |
| 5-8 | No | Evergreen | December - March |
We welcome your Tips on Ice Cream Bean. Share Your Tip.
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
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
Grew in full shade took ages to fruit-possum love it so do bats | Brent Ireland - Northgate, QLD 29-Jun-2006
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Hello Carol Leung, Where in West End are these trees? Which street? I'd like to go and have a look. | Nikhil - Brisbane, QLD 01-Dec-2008
The ice cream bean is not on the DPI's list of weeds, neither is it included in a government list of "potential weeds" which discussed hundreds of plants. A search of the DPI and the EPA websites does not show up with anything at all. | Rosa Long - Cairns, QLD 05-Jan-2009
Hi, could someone please tell me how & what to do with the fruit as I am a new owner. Beautiful tree. | Lyn Willshire - Yetman, N.S.W 07-Jan-2009
I started my tree from seed indoors under artificial light this tree grew profusely its been in there one year and is already over 5' tall it loves abundant nutrients and water, beautiful pinnate leaves, going outside in spring under a warm california sun | Pete Gardner - Santa Barbara, CA 10-Jan-2009
Nikhil - it is growing over 198 bus stop near 313 Boundary Street (past Dornoch bridge towards river). There are also some in the community gardens in the park at Paradise Street. | Carol Leung - West End, QLD 14-Jan-2009
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