Introduction to the guama tree (Inga edulis)
El guama tree (inga edulis), also know as guaba, pacae, pepeto, paterna, jinicuile o water tope Depending on the region, it is a legume native to the Amazon and widely distributed in Central America, the Caribbean Islands and the South American tropics. This species stands out for its great adaptability, ability to fix nitrogen, provide shade in perennial crops and for its edible fruits, which have a white, sweet and fleshy pulp appreciated by both humans and wildlife.
Botanical characteristics and morphology of the guama
La wow can reach heights of between 4 and 30 meters, depending on factors such as climate, space availability and soil conditions. It is characterized by a straight trunk, a broad, spreading crown that creates light shade, and long, flexible branches. The bark is grayish, often with lenticels and fine grooves. Internally, the bark can vary from pinkish to light brown, with branchlets covered in fine rusty hairs.
the leaves are compound, alternate and paripinnate, with 4 to 6 pairs of elliptical or ovate leaflets, with pointed apex, smooth edge and variable length (15 to 30 cm). The leaflets have a intense green and pubescent underside. Between these, kidney-shaped nectar glands can be seen.
The inflorescences They are dense clusters of 8 to 12 cm (XNUMX to XNUMX inches) arranged in the leaf axils, with whitish or greenish-yellow, tubular, and fragrant flowers that open at dawn and wither during the day. Each flower has numerous long stamens and a clear central style.
El fruit It is a flattened, indehiscent legume, up to more than 1 meters long and 3 to 5 cm in diameter, with deep longitudinal striations. Inside it houses blackish seeds, large (3 to 5 cm), wrapped in a white, cottony, sugary and edible pulp.
Geographic distribution and habitat
La inga edulis It is native to the tropical Amazon, but is currently present from Mexico to South America, including countries such as Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Nicaragua, Peru and the AntillesIt has been introduced to places like Cuba and Jamaica. In Mexico, it is especially distributed in tropical states, both in coastal areas and at the foot of mountains, reaching altitudes of up to 1800 meters above sea level.
This species thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, where average solar temperatures equal or exceed 20 °C, with rainfall between 1000 and 5000 mm per yearIt prefers deep, well-drained soils with a clay-loam to clayey texture, with an acidic pH and aluminum saturation, although it also tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils and even irrigated areas in drier climates.
Ecology and role in the ecosystem
El guama tree plays a fundamental ecological role in both natural ecosystems and agricultural systems. Its fast growth and deep root systems help control erosion and protect degraded soils, especially along riverbanks and streams. Thanks to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, it enriches the substrate and promotes the development of other nearby species.
It is frequently found integrated into agroforestry systems, such as coffee and cocoa crops, where it is used as a shade tree that maintains soil moisture. The foliage is light and allows the passage of diffused light, while the fall of the leaves and their rapid decomposition provide valuable organic matter. It is also used for the watershed protection, reforestation, formation of living fences and soil improvement.
Association with wildlife
La wow It is essential in the diet of wild birds and mammals. Various species of birds, such as the red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivaceus), The yellow-crowned tanager (Tanager xanthocephala), the orange-throated warbler (Drendoica fusca), the black-winged jumper (Saltator atripennis), The oak piranga (Piranga flava), The blue-headed tanager (Euphonia cyanocephala) And the black-winged turkey (Myioborus miniatus), consume their fruits and help in seed dispersal. Mammals, such as monkeys and rodents, they also feed on its sweet pulp. Thus, the guama contributes to maintaining the biodiversity local and the trophic structure of ecosystems.
Propagation and cultivation of Inga edulis
La propagation The guama tree is harvested mainly by fresh seed, since these have a high germination power (over 90%) when they have not yet been dried, as they are recalcitrant seeds (they lose viability if they dry out or delay sowing). In nurseries, seeds They germinate in substrates rich in organic matter mixed with coarse sand in a 2:1 ratio. Direct sowing in the field or seedling production in seedbeds with a spacing of 4x5 cm or 6x6 cm is usually used.
Germination can begin in as little as three days and reach its peak in less than two weeks. seedlings They are ready to transplant once they reach 40 to 60 cm in height, which typically occurs within the first 20 weeks. For shade-grown coffee or cocoa, the recommended spacing is 10 to 15 meters, while for alley crops, the distances can be reduced to 4 meters between rows and 0,5 meters between plants.
With regards to pure guama plantation, a spacing of 6 to 8 meters between plants and between rows is suggested. Annual growth can vary considerably depending on soil fertility, reaching between 2 and 4,5 meters in the first year.
Basic care and maintenance
- Lighting: Prefers full sun or partial shade; tolerates diffuse light conditions such as under a canopy.
- Irrigation: Although it tolerates moderate dry periods, it requires regular watering during hot or dry seasons. Avoid waterlogging.
- Ground: It thrives best in loose, deep, well-drained, acidic soils rich in organic matter. It tolerates poor soils thanks to its nitrogen-fixing capacity.
- Pruning: It is advisable to prune after flowering to control its height, promote branching and maintain a suitable canopy for shade or production.
- Resistance: Moderately drought resistant, but does not tolerate frost nor temperatures close to zero.
Common diseases and pests
El guama tree It is generally resistant to serious pests and diseases. However, in certain regions, occasional attacks by coleopteran insects (family Chrysomelidae and Costalimaita ferruginea), which primarily affect the fruit and rarely the leaves. Birds such as parrots and other frugivores can also cause losses by directly consuming the fruit on the tree. No significant fungal or bacterial diseases that compromise tree health have been documented.
Ecological importance and environmental uses
One of the most outstanding values of the wow It is its function as nitrogen fixer, which improves soil fertility and promotes sustainable agriculture. rapid growth and wide crown also make it indispensable in work reforestation, ecological restoration and watershed protection. It is used as shade for perennial crops such as coffee and cocoa in agroforestry systems, where it also reduces erosion and provides organic matter after decomposition.
In livestock and agriculture, it is used as living barrier, protein bank y source of forage, improving the nutritional quality of the soil and providing shelter for livestock and local biodiversity.
Traditional, culinary and medicinal uses
The biggest attraction of the inga edulis lies in its fruit: The long, firm-walled pods contain a white, fleshy pulp and sweet which is consumed naturally or in regional preparations such as juices, smoothies, ice creams, desserts and fruit salads. young seeds They can be boiled and eaten like legumes, reminiscent of chickpeas in flavor.
In addition to its nutritional value, the pulp and seeds They have functional properties: they are rich in water, dietary fiber, vitamin C, flavonoids, catechins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. This composition provides various health benefits, among them:
- Antioxidant action: Prevents cellular aging and protects the skin.
- Weight control: Its fiber content promotes satiety and helps with weight loss diets.
- Diabetes Prevention: It encourages the absorption of carbohydrates and regulates blood sugar.
- Improves intestinal transit: Fight constipation.
- Immune Support: Thanks to vitamin C and phytonutrients.
- Prevention of cardiovascular diseases: For its anti-inflammatory effect and cholesterol control.
- Traditional medicinal properties: The leaves are used in infusions to relieve diarrhea and rheumatism, as well as in poultices to promote wound healing.
Preparations and recipes with guama
- La fresh pulp It can be eaten directly or used in juices, mousses, cakes and ice creams.
- Guama tea: It is prepared by boiling the bark peels in one liter of water for 10 minutes; strain and drink 2-3 cups daily to relieve mild diarrhea (this should be done under professional supervision). Learn more about its cultivation here
- Poultice: The tea liquid can be used to moisten clean gauze and apply it to wounds, promoting their recovery.
- Guama juice: Blend the pulp with water, sweetener and ice until you get a refreshing drink.
- Guama cake: It is made by adding guama juice to a dough of eggs, milk, flour and yeast, baking until golden brown.
