Pongamia Pinnata
Family: Leguminosae – Papilionioideae
Synonymous: Derris indica, P. glabra
Common Name: Indian Beech
English Name: Pongam ,Oiltree
Hindi Name: Karanji
Telugu Name: Kanuga
Bengali Name: Karanj
Tree Characteristics :
P. pinnata is native to humid and sub-tropic environments; common along waterways or seashores, with its roots in freshor saltwater. It is very tolerant of saline conditions and alkalinity, and occurs naturally in lowland forest on limestone androcky coral outcrops on the coast, along the edges of mangrove forest and along tidal streams and rivers. It is a shadebearer and can grow under the shade of other trees; it is, however, not a shade demander and grows well even with full overhead light. It is also drought resistant and well adapted to adverse climatic conditions and soil moisture conditions;prolonged drought may however kill seedlings. In its natural habitat, the species tolerates a wide temperature range.
Nursery Practice :
Pods are collected from April to June, thrashed to separate the seeds and dried before storage. Pods should be stored without breaking when they are to be stored for a year. Seeds remain viable for a year at least. Seed yield per tree varies from 9 to 90 kg. Soaking of seeds in cold water for 24 hr hastens and improves germination. About 1200 seeds weigh one kg. About 250 g of seed is needed to sow one m of nursery area. Germination starts in about 10 days and takes about a month, to complete. The percentage of fertility is high and a germination percentage of about 60 to 80 can be expected. One kg seed will produce about 1000 plants.
Economic Uses :
Ø Fodder: Opinions vary on the usefulness of P. pinnata as a fodder; its value is greatest in arid regions.. The presscake (seedresidue) after oil extraction is bitter and unfit for use as a sole animal feed.
Ø Timber: Wood varies from white to yellowish-grey with no distinct heartwood; beautifully grained and medium to coarsetextured. combs.
Ø Medicine: It is one of the promising Tree Brone Oil seeds (TBO). The seed oil is rubbed as liniment on skin diseases and rheumatic parts. Internally, it is given as a stomachic and cholagogue in dyspepsia and cases of Sluggish liver. A seed powder is given as an expectorant in bronchitis and whooping cough.
