Inga edulis Mart.
THERE ARE OVER 200 KNOWN legume species of the genus Inga that are native to Brazil. Although more commonly found in the Amazon region, ice cream bean trees are also scattered throughout the Northeast, Midwest and Southeast regions. The edible varieties, eaten fresh, have pods that are 6 inches to 3 feet long. The large black seeds are involved by a soft, fuzzy white pulp that is creamy and sweet. In folk medicine, an infusion prepared with the leaves is used to fight diabetes.
