Description
It is often planted as an ornamental and shade tree. This specie is commonly called Pongam, Karanj, or a derivation of these names.
Pongamia pinnata, a fast-growing, hardy tree that is native to India and grows all over the world in sub-tropical climates. Pongamia grows robustly on dry, marginal land using its deep tap root and produces a large amount of oilseeds that can be mechanically harvested and processed using existing agriculture equipment.
Plant Specifications
| Plant Height |
24 inch (61 cm) |
| Plant Spread |
7 inch (18 cm) |
*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%
| Common Name |
Pongamia Pinnata, Karanj, Indian Beech, Pongam Oiltree, Karanj, Honge ,Pungai nuga (Telugu), Naktam. |
| Maximum Reachable Height |
8 meters |
| Flower Colour |
Purple, pink, and white |
| Bloom Time |
Annual |
| Difficulty Level |
Easy to grow |
Planting and care
Probably ranges from Tropical Dry to Moist through Subtropical Dry to Moist Forest Life Zones. Withstanding temperatures slightly below 0C to 50C and annual rainfall of 5 to 25 dm. the tree grows wild on sandy and rocky soils, including oolitic limestone, but will grow in most soil types, even with its roots in salt water.Pongamia Pinnata care
| Sunlight |
Full sun. |
| Watering |
Draught taulerant |
| Soil |
Can grow on most soil types ranging from stony to sandy to clay. |
| Temperature |
Maximum temperature ranges from 27 to 38C and the minimum 1 to16C. |
| Fertilizer |
Any organic fertilizers. |
Pongamia Pinnata special feature
The flowers are used by gardeners as compost for plants requiring rich nutrients.
Pongamia Pinnata uses
Ornamental Use:
Medicinal Use:
- A thick yellow-orange to brown oil is extracted from seeds
- Yields of 25% of volume are possible using a mechanical expeller
- However, for village crushers average yield is 20%
- The oil has a bitter taste and a disagreeable aroma, thus it is not considered edible
- In India, the oil is used as a fuel for cooking and lamps
- The oil is also used as a lubricant, water-paint binder, pesticide, and in soap making and tanning industries
