Inga insignis

Inga insignis is a tropical tree in the Fabaceae family. Its common name is guaba de zorro. Its native range runs from Colombia through Ecuador to Peru. Kew places it within the wet tropical biome. In Ecuador, it grows at elevations of 4,757–9,350 feet [1,450–2,850 metres]. People grow it for fruit as well as shade. It also grows wild within its South American range.

The tree forms a broad, dense crown at a moderate pace. Listed garden dimensions reach 26 feet [8 metres] tall and 33 feet [10 metres] wide. Both horticultural sources also describe heights reaching 33 feet [10 metres]. Its round trunk often branches close to the ground. The trunk can reach about 1.15 feet [0.35 metres] across. The leaves are compound, with reddish-green young growth. PFAF describes older leaves as turning brownish. The flowers are green or yellow.

Green pods bear white hairs on their outer surface. Each pod measures about 0.46–0.59 feet [0.14–0.18 metres] long. Width reaches about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres]. Sweet white pulp wraps around the seeds inside. People eat this pulp raw. The edible portion described by the sources is the pulp, not the seeds. Growers raise the tree in orchards around Quito. They also plant it along streets there. Its wide crown gives it value as a shade tree.

For cultivation, PFAF lists full sun or light woodland shade. The tree accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers good drainage and can grow in poor soil. It tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. Although its native climate is wet tropical, it tolerates long dry seasons. PFAF lists both dry and moist soils as suitable. Its stated USDA hardiness range is zones 10–12. The sources give seed as the means of propagation.

Root bacteria form nodules that help the tree obtain nitrogen. They turn nitrogen from the air into a usable form. Nearby plants may benefit from some of this nitrogen. PFAF includes the species among trees suited to food forests. Neither horticultural source reports a known hazard or medicinal use. This does not establish that every plant part is safe. PFAF does not flag it as weedy.