The native range of Inga edulis is in Amazonian Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. The species has also been introduced across most of tropical South America, Panama and Costa Rica. It can tolerate short droughts, although in its natural range some rain falls every month. In the forest it becomes a canopy tree, but it is also common in secondary forest. Uses Shade and litter .
Many farmers value it as much for soil protection as for shade.
Improved fallow . Alley cropping . In species trials in Costa Rica, Peru and Brazil, I.edulis was outstanding in terms of growth. Coppice regrowth was also good after pruning. The litter is high in nitrogen, lignins and polyphenols.