Guamá (Inga spectabilis), also known as ice-cream bean or machete guaba, is a fast-growing tropical tree that produces long pods filled with sweet, cottony pulp. Beloved across Central and South America, it’s more than just a fruit tree — it’s a shade provider, soil improver, and a delicious addition to tropical gardens.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: the origin of guamá, how to plant and care for the seeds, how long it takes to grow, and what the fruit tastes like.
Origin of Guamá (Inga spectabilis)
Native to Central and South America, guamá has been cultivated for centuries in agroforestry systems. Farmers often use it as a companion tree for coffee and cacao because it:
- Provides shade with its wide canopy.
- Improves soil naturally through nitrogen fixation.
- Produces organic matter that enriches the land.
How to Plant Guamá Seeds
When you receive seeds from my shop, it’s very important to plant them immediately — guamá seeds lose viability quickly if stored too long.
Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
Caring for Young Plants
Growth and Production Timeline
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Growth rate: Guamá grows very fast and can reach 30–40 feet in a few years.
- First fruiting: Expect pods in 3–5 years after planting.
- Yield: Mature trees produce large clusters of long pods with sweet pulp.
Flavor of the Fruit
The pods contain white, cottony pulp around each seed. The taste is often described as:
- Sweet and creamy
- Vanilla-like, sometimes with a touch of cinnamon
- Light and refreshing — no wonder it’s called the 'ice-cream bean'!
Final Tips
Plant seeds immediately upon arrival.
Use the half-in, half-out vertical method to reduce rot risk.
Be patient — your reward will be shade, soil fertility, and sweet tropical fruit in just a few years.