Keeping ice cream bean tree small?

From what I've read, ice cream bean trees grow quickly, are evergreen, and get big. Realistically, how small could one be maintained in ground with pruning about twice a year? Are the roots typically damaging to porches or walkways? Do they fruit if kept small, or do they need to get big in order to fruit? Would a low water situation help keep the tree smaller?

The reason for my questions: I was eating an ice cream bean the other day and planted the seeds in cups, and now I have several seedlings. They are cute and healthy looking and I'm debating about if I should give them all away or try planting one myself. I would like to plant it in ground (to conserve water) if it is possible to do so without causing damage to the sidewalk. I enjoy pruning and shaping plants, but it's important to me to grow things that can stay in a size range that I'm able to manage.

What USDA grow zone are you in?


Here is an article from gardening know how. It says to give it full sun. So maybe plant it where it gets shade for half of the day, and you may stunt the tree a bit. Yet hopefully still make fruit.

I had not heard of this tree so I looked it up:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inga_edulis


I would suggest pruning it in the fall to insure that you get fruit.

According to that article ants and caterpillars like the nectar.

That tree has pretty flowers.

Thanks for your responses. I'm in zone 10a (Southern California). The spot I'm looking at planting it might have more shade in the next few years as my pomegranate shrub gets bigger...that might work out well. Since the ice cream bean tree is evergreen I didn't think about how the fruiting might be affected by pruning time--thanks for pointing that out. I will read up on it.