Pongamia Pinnata, Karanj - Plant

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 featureThe flowers are used by gardeners as compost for plants requiring rich nutrients. Pongamia Pinnata uses
Ornamental Use:
Ornamental shade tree
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