The Ice Cream Bean Tree (
Inga edulis) is a perennial member of the bean family
Fabaceae and genetically placed in the tribe
Ingeae. It is native to equatorial America where its seeds are a primary source of flour and the flesh is eaten for the vanilla-like flavor. It has an extremely wide canopy and is grown commercially for shade in coffee plantations. It also grows well in temperate subtropical climates including right here in San Diego, California.