Inga stenoptera — Edible Plant Database

What to Eat

Edible parts: Fruit, Pulp

The pulp surrounding the seeds is eaten.

It is a tropical plant. It grows on river banks along the Amazon. It can withstand prolonged flooding.

Amazon, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guianas, Guyana, Peru*, South America, Suriname, Venezuela,

Countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Paraguay, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela

A tree. The pods are slender and 9-30 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. There are about 10 dark brown seeds.

Plants grow easily from fresh seeds. Seeds germinate in 1-2 weeks given moisture and shade.

Also as Mimosaceae.

Names & Synonyms

Charapa shimbillo, Guana de agua, Narrowwing inga, Rabo de coto, Tahuampa shimbillo, Yacu shimbillo

Feuilleea stenoptera (Benth.) Kuntze

References (4)

Grandtner, M. M. & Chevrette, J., 2013, Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press p 326
Lopez-Diago, D. & Garcia, N., 2021, Wild edible fruits of Colombia. Biota ColomBiana 22 (2) p 39
Roa, J. A. G. & Boada, D. S. G., 2018, Fundación para el Fortalecimiento de la Fruticultura y Plantas Alimenticias no Convencionales en Colombia.
Smith, N., et al, 2007, Amazon River Fruits. Flavors for Conservation. Missouri Botanical Gardens Press. p 132