Pongamia pinnata

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Photographs by: Dr. Maulik Gadani

  • Botanical Name : Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre
  • Synonyms : Millettia pinnata (L.) Panigrahi
  • Common Name : Karanj, Pongam Tree, Indian Beech Tree, Pongame Oil Tree
  • Plant Family : Papilionaceae
  • Plant Form : Tree
  • Occurrence (Sectors) : 1, 3, 5, 10, 21, 24, 25, 27, 28
  • Occurrence (Special Areas) : Gujarat Forestry Research Foundation, Ayurvedic Udyan, Van Chetana Kendra

About Pongamia pinnata Plant :

  • Habit : A deciduous tree.
  • Leaves :
    • Imparipinnate leaves.
    • Leaflets 5-9, opposite, ovate-oblong, acute, stipules long.
  • Inflorescence : Axillary racemes.
  • Flowers :
    • White or purplish, bracteoles ovate.
    • Calyx campanulate, purplish, corolla pinkish-white, standard suborbicular, wings obliquely oblong, keel obtuse, stamens 10, monadelphous, anthers versatile.
    • Ovary 2-ovuled, style incurved.
  • Fruit : Pod obliquely-oblong, compressed, woody, 1-seeded.
  • Flowering and Fruiting Time : April - June
  • Significance :
    • Planted on roads as a shade plant.
    • The seeds yield an oil which is very useful in skin diseases, eczema.