Inga edulis
Inga edulis, leaves and inflorescences
Inga edulis is a species of the subfamily of the mimosa family ( Mimosoideae ) within the legume family ( Fabaceae ). Originally neotropical distribution ranges from Mexico south to Central and South America. She is a neophyte in many tropical countries. Synonyms are Joaquiniquil (South America), cuaniquil (Mexico), guama, ice -cream bean ( English ).
Description
The Inga edulis grows as a small tree reaching heights of growth of up to 17 meters. The widely spreading tree crown is largely flat. The bark is gray. The one with a diameter of 30 cm or more cylindrical stem is usually twisted and branches from 1 to 2 meters above the ground. The 10 to 30 cm long leaves are pinnate. At an angular rachis four to six pairs of leaflets are arranged. The membranous leaflets are large and oval. The lowermost Fiederblattpaar is smallest, the largest Fiederblattpaar has a length of 15 cm. The lower leaf surface is hairy tiny fluffy.
At the ends of the branches are from February to May 2 to 4 cm long at the ends of the branches Blütenstandsschäften kopfige inflorescence the flowers together, or the flowers are individually and collectively in the upper leaf axils. Those with a length of about 5 mm oblong- lanceolate bracts fall off during flowering. The seated, fragrant hermaphrodite flowers are zygomorphic with a double perianth. The fluffy hairy sepals are striped and 5-8 mm long. The woolly hairy petals are 14-20 mm long.
Those with a length of up to 2 meters and a diameter of 1 to 3 cm flat and twisted, four -edged legume has greatly thickened, ridged edges. A white pulp surrounding the seed. The fruits ripen several months after fertilization.
System
The first publication of the name Inga edulis was carried out in 1837 by Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius in Flora, 20 ( 2), Beibl. , Pp. 113-114. Inga edulis Mart synonyms for. are: Feuilleea edulis ( Mart. ) Kuntze, Inga benthamiana Meissner, Inga scabriuscula Benth, Inga vera sensu Brenan, Inga vera Kunth, Inga ynga ( Vell. ) JWMoore, Mimosa ynga .. Vell.
Terms and folk medicine
Inga edulis are planted in tropical areas. The pulp is eaten directly from the legumes out or it is made into sweet desserts. In Central and South America are planted in cocoa, coffee, tea and vanilla plantations Inga edulis trees as shade trees. Especially in low altitudes they can be found in parks and avenues. They improve the soil quality and prevent erosion. Colombian Indigenous Peoples brew an alcoholic beverage, " cachiri " called from the aril. Half of the Choco Indians of Panama cultivate Inga edulis in the vicinity of their homes.
Almost all Colombian Inga species are used in folk medicine.
Swell
- Sheet at NewCROPTM the New Crop Resource Online Program. (Section Description, distribution, use, and folk medicine )