The Ice Cream Bean tree (Inga edulis) is a fast-growing tropical tree that produces one of the most unique and delicious fruits in the plant world. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, this remarkable tree is prized for its large, flat, elongated seed pods filled with a creamy, sweet, cotton-like pulp that surrounds the seeds. The pulp has the light, fluffy texture of cotton candy and a flavor often compared to vanilla ice cream.
The Ice Cream Bean tree features a beautiful, umbrella-shaped canopy of glossy tropical leaves that provides generous shade, making it both functional and ornamental in warm climates. During the flowering season, the tree produces clusters of fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators and support local biodiversity. These are followed by the tree’s distinctive seed pods—typically 6 to 12 inches long—which add further visual interest while signaling the arrival of its delicious harvest.
Ice Cream Bean trees thrive in warm, tropical and subtropical climates but can also be grown indoors when young or in cooler regions with proper care. They are adaptable to a wide range of soil types and are especially valuable in gardens and agroforestry systems because they are nitrogen-fixing trees. Through a symbiotic relationship with beneficial soil bacteria, their roots enrich the soil naturally, improving fertility and supporting surrounding plants.
At Tyler Farms, we grow our plants the old-fashioned way: no pesticides, no synthetic fertilizers, and only all-natural inputs such as worm castings and fish emulsion.
Your tree will arrive as a healthy seedling in a 3-inch reusable plastic pot, approximately 4 to 8 inches tall.
