Contents
Description
Inga Alba, also known as the White Inga, is a tropical tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is native to Central and South America, and it can reach heights of up to 30 meters. Inga Alba is famous for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which makes it a valuable plant in reforestation and agroforestry projects.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Inga |
| Species | Alba |
Appearance
Inga Alba has a spreading crown with a diameter of up to 20 meters. The leaves are pinnate and can reach lengths of up to 40 centimeters. The flowers are white and fragrant, and they bloom in clusters from the trunk and branches. The fruit is a pod that can reach lengths of up to 30 centimeters and contains up to 14 seeds. The bark of Inga Alba is grayish-brown, and it has a rough texture.
Care Guide
Water
Inga Alba requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. However, it’s essential to avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Inga Alba benefits from regular fertilization, especially with nitrogen-rich fertilizers. However, it’s essential to avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to nutrient burn.
Soil
Inga Alba prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. However, it can also tolerate poor soils, as it can fix nitrogen in the soil.
Sunlight
Inga Alba prefers full sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones
Inga Alba is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Inga Alba is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:
Pests
– Leafcutter ants- Mealybugs- Scale insects
Diseases
– Anthracnose- Root rot- Leaf spot
Habitat
Inga Alba is native to Central and South America, where it grows in tropical forests, savannas, and disturbed areas. It prefers moist and well-draining soils and can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Inga Alba tolerate drought?
A: Inga Alba can tolerate some drought, but it prefers regular watering.Q: Can Inga Alba fix nitrogen in the soil?
A: Yes, Inga Alba is famous for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.Q: Is Inga Alba suitable for agroforestry projects?
A: Yes, Inga Alba is a valuable plant in reforestation and agroforestry projects.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Inga Alba?
A: Inga Alba is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Inga Alba:- Inga edulis- Inga feuilleei- Inga laurina- Inga marginata
References
– “Inga alba.” Useful Tropical Plants, www.prota4u.org/database/protav8.asp?g=Inga&species=alba.- “Inga alba.” PlantNet, plantnet.org/PlantNet/canal-flora/advanced-search/simple-search?executeSimpleSearch=true&name=Inga+alba.- “Inga alba.” Agroforestry Database, agroforestry.net/tti/Inga-alba.pdf.
