Inga densiflora

Inga densiflora is a tree from the tropics in the pea family, Fabaceae. People call it guamo, guabo, and densely flowered inga. Its native range starts in southeastern Mexico. It reaches northern and western South America. It grows in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Records also place it in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru. Its range includes the Guianas too. It grows in rainforest in both lowlands and mountains.

Plants For A Future lists a height of 49 feet (15 metres). It gives the same spread: 49 feet (15 metres). This large tree needs a lot of space. That source says it grows at a moderate rate. The accounts give no details about its bark or leaves. They give no flower shape or bloom dates for this species. They list seed as the way to grow new trees.

This tree suits the wet tropics and grows in full sun. Plants For A Future says it cannot grow in shade. It needs moist soil that drains well. It grows in sand, loam, and clay. Its stated soil pH range runs from slightly acid to slightly alkaline. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 10–12. These needs make it a tree for warm outdoor sites. The sources give no schedule for watering it. They do not say how much drought it can bear.

People gather fruit from wild trees and grow it for food. They eat the sweet, white pulp that wraps the seeds. They eat this pulp raw and value it in its native range. The sources do not show that the seeds are safe to eat. They report no known hazards. But they give no detailed review of possible toxic effects. Neither account lists a use for this species as medicine.

Farmers use the tree to shade coffee in Central America and Venezuela. It thus has a role in food-growing sites in the tropics. Reports disagree on whether it fixes nitrogen, adding it to soil. Both accounts cite a report that it cannot do this. Gardeners should not count on it to add nitrogen to soil. Useful Tropical Plants cites a 2013 IUCN review. That review gave it the status Least Concern. The source notes that it grows in protected areas. The review found no major threats across its broad range. The species accounts give no set guidance on pests or disease.