Inga vera (Ice Cream Bean)

Native to the Caribbean and from Mexico to northern and western South America, this tree forms a spreading crown with long branches and compound leaves. Several pairs of pointed leaflets line a winged central axis, with rounded glands between the pairs. Clusters of flowers open near leaf bases and branch tips. Their long white stamens extend well beyond the tubular, hairy corollas, and individual flowers are short-lived. They open at night, are fully expanded around dawn and soon wilt in daylight. Elongated, densely hairy brown pods contain seeds surrounded by sweet, edible white pulp. The tree is planted for shade in coffee and cacao cultivation and can contribute nitrogen to the soil. Photographed in Colombia.