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Description
Inga Laurina is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to the rainforest regions of Central and South America, including Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. The plant is also known as “Guamo de Costa Rica” or “Guamo Prieto” in Spanish. Inga Laurina is a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. It is widely cultivated for its edible fruits, which are used to make juices, jams, and other food products.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Inga |
| Species | Inga Laurina |
Appearance
Inga Laurina has a slender trunk with a smooth bark that can range from brown to grayish. Its leaves are pinnate, with 4 to 6 pairs of leaflets that are oval-shaped and about 5-12 cm long. The tree produces small, white flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter and are arranged in clusters. The fruit of the Inga Laurina is a pod that is about 10-20 cm long and contains 4 to 10 seeds. The fruit is green when unripe and turns brown when mature.
Care Guide
Inga Laurina is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips for its care:Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Inga Laurina is tolerant of short periods of drought, but it is best to keep the soil evenly moist.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every 2-3 months with a balanced fertilizer. Inga Laurina is not a heavy feeder, so avoid over-fertilizing.Soil: Inga Laurina prefers well-draining, fertile soil. A pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is ideal.Sunlight: Inga Laurina prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate full shade but may not flower as much.Hardiness Zones: Inga Laurina is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Inga Laurina is generally free from serious pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Inga Laurina can also be affected by root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil.
Habitat
Inga Laurina is native to the rainforest regions of Central and South America, where it grows in moist, well-draining soil. The plant is also commonly cultivated in other tropical regions for its fruit.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Inga Laurina be grown indoors?
A: Inga Laurina can be grown indoors but requires bright, indirect light.Q: How often should Inga Laurina be pruned?
A: Inga Laurina does not require frequent pruning. Prune as needed to shape the tree or remove dead or damaged branches.Q: How long does it take for Inga Laurina to bear fruit?
A: Inga Laurina can bear fruit in as little as 2 years but may take up to 5 years.Q: How often should Inga Laurina be fertilized?
A: Inga Laurina should be fertilized every 2-3 months with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Inga Laurina:
- Inga Edulis
- Inga Vera
- Inga Marginata
- Inga Umbellifera
References
- “Inga laurina.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286121>
- “Inga laurina.” PlantFiles. Accessed September 2021. <https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/188622/>
- “Inga laurina.” Useful Tropical Plants. Accessed September 2021. <https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Inga+laurina>
