Tree Pongamia Glabra (Millettia pinnata) | 3.5 - 4.0 m | 18 - 20 cm girth

Pongamia glabra, now more correctly known as Millettia pinnata (synonym: Pongamia pinnata), is a fast-growing, leguminous tree valued for its environmental resilience and potential as a biofuel source.

🔍 Key Facts
Scientific name: Millettia pinnata (synonym: Pongamia glabra / Pongamia pinnata)

Common names: Pongam tree, Indian beech, karanj (India), malapari (Indonesia)

Family: Fabaceae (legume family)

Native range: Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, northern Australia

Height: Typically 8–15 meters (26–50 feet)

Leaves: Pinnate with glossy green leaflets

Flowers: Fragrant, purple-pink to white, pea-like

Fruit: Flat, thick seed pods containing 1–2 oil-rich seeds

🌿 Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun

Soil: Tolerates poor, saline, and alkaline soils; thrives in well-drained conditions

Water: Drought-tolerant once established, but can also tolerate waterlogging

Climate: Tropical and subtropical

Propagation: Mostly by seeds, sometimes by root suckers or cuttings

🌱 Uses
Biofuel: Seeds yield a non-edible oil used in biodiesel production (karanja oil)

Soil improvement: Nitrogen-fixing tree that improves soil fertility

Shade & ornamental: Used in parks and roadsides for shade and erosion control

Medicinal (traditional): Used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine for treating skin diseases and inflammation

Agroforestry: Supports sustainable land use systems

🌍 Environmental Benefits
Erosion control, especially in coastal or saline areas

Reclaims degraded land

Carbon sequestration potential