Digital Garden

Pongamia pinnata

Karanj, Pongam Tree, Indian Beech Tree, Pongame Oil Tree 

 Scientific name- Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre 

Common name- Karanj, Pongam Tree, Indian Beech Tree, Pongame Oil Tree 

Family- Papilionaceae 

Habit- Deciduous tree 

Habitat- Grows in tropical, subtropical humid climates 

Habit type- Deciduous tree 

Habitat- Grows in humid, tropical and subtropical climates. 

Leaves 

Imparipinnate leaves, leaflets 5-9, opposite, ovate-oblong, acute, 

stipules long. Bark- hardwood, can grow up to 18m in height. 

Inflorescence 

Axillary racemes. 

Flowers 

White or purplish, bracteoles ovate. 

Corolla- pinkish-white, standard 

Calyx- Calyx campanulate, purplish 

Stamens- 10, monadelphous, anthers versatile. 

Ovary- 2-ovuled, style incurved. 

Fruits 

Pod obliquely-oblong, compressed, woody, 1-seeded. 

Flowering and Fruiting Time- April – June 

FACTS & MEDICINAL USES 

Traditionally it is used to treat scorpion bites, fever and poisoning. 

Karanja is used in therapeutic use called ‘Bloodletting therapy’ to cure skin diseases. In conditions where the skin lesions turn numb and there is no pain or itching, they are rubbed with Karanja stem to initiate bleeding. This lets off the impure blood to cure the skin lesions. 

Planted on roads as a shade plant. 

It is very useful in treating skin diseases. 

It has properties which can detoxify the vagina and treat uterine disorders. 

Used in treating piles and haemorrhoids. 

It can relieve bloating, flatulence and stomach ailments. 

It can relieve worm infestation and aids quick wound healing. 

The leaves of Karanja can relieve inflammation, diarrhea and constipation. 

The fruits of Karanja are used to treat diabetes. 

The fruits are also used to treat psoriasis and skin infections. 

The oil of Karanja is used as a biodiesel. 

It helps to reduce boils, abscess and eczema. 

It relieves pain and inflammation caused due to open wounds and burns. 

Used to treat gout and syphilis.