Contents
Description
Pongamia Pinnata, commonly known as the Karanja tree, is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The tree is highly valued for its numerous uses, including its medicinal properties, as a biodiesel crop, and for its timber. It is also known as the “miracle tree” due to its ability to grow in harsh conditions, improve soil fertility, and provide numerous benefits.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Pongamia |
Appearance
The Pongamia Pinnata tree has a straight trunk with a rough, grayish-brown bark. It can grow up to 15-25 meters tall and has a spread of up to 10-15 meters. The leaves are pinnate, with 5-7 leaflets that are oblong in shape and about 8-15 cm long. The tree produces small, fragrant, white or pink flowers that are about 1 cm long. The fruit is a pod that is about 5-10 cm long and contains 1-4 seeds.
Care Guide
Water: The tree requires moderate watering and can tolerate drought conditions once established.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall.Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral.Sunlight: The tree requires full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The tree can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can grow in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pongamia Pinnata tree is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by leaf-eating caterpillars, termites, and scales. Diseases such as root rot and leaf spot can also affect the tree.
Habitat
The Pongamia Pinnata tree is native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It can grow in a wide range of soil and climatic conditions, from sandy coastal areas to rocky hillsides. The tree is often found growing in open spaces, along roadsides, and in agricultural fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Pongamia Pinnata a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Pongamia Pinnata is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as skin diseases, diabetes, and rheumatism.Q: Can Pongamia Pinnata be used for biodiesel production?
A: Yes, Pongamia Pinnata seeds contain about 30-40% oil, making it a potential source of biodiesel.Q: Is Pongamia Pinnata a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, Pongamia Pinnata is considered a fast-growing tree and can grow up to 2 meters per year under favorable conditions.Q: Can Pongamia Pinnata improve soil fertility?
A: Yes, Pongamia Pinnata is a nitrogen-fixing tree, which means it can improve soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use.
Related Plants
– Neem (Azadirachta indica)- Moringa (Moringa oleifera)- Jatropha (Jatropha curcas)- Castor (Ricinus communis)
References
– “Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 25 May 2021. – “Pongamia pinnata.” World Agroforestry Centre. Accessed 25 May 2021. – “Pongamia pinnata.” Agroforestry Tree Database. Accessed 25 May 2021.
