Pongam, Karum Tree, Poonga-Oil Tree, Indian Beech

Pongamia pinnata

Physical Characteristics

Pongamia pinnata is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Indian subcontinent, through south-east Asia to north-eastern Australia, Fiji and Japan.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Edible Uses: Oil The oil is unlikely to be edible.

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient Antihaemorrhoidal Antirheumatic Antiseptic Antitussive Astringent Cholagogue Expectorant Febrifuge Hypoglycaemic Odontalgic Poultice Skin Stomachic Tonic The seed oil is given as a stomachic and cholagogue in the treatment of dyspepsia and cases of sluggish liver[303 ]. It is used externally as a liniment for rubbing on skin diseases and rheumatic joints[303 ]. It has been shown to be effective in enhancing the pigmentation of skin affected by leucoderma or scabies[414 ]. The powdered seed is given as an expectorant in the treatment of bronchitis and whooping cough, and is also prescribed as a febrifuge and tonic[303 ]. A paste made from the powdered seed is spread on sores and rheumatic joints[303 ]. An infusion of the leaves is used to relieve rheumatism[303 ]. A decoction is used as a cough remedy[303 ]. The leaves are crushed and applied as a poultice for the treatment of parasitic skin diseases and to relieve bleeding haemorrhoids[303 ].The expressed juice is used on herpes and itches[303 ]. The flowers are claimed to have anti-diabetic action[303 ]. The fresh stem bark is astringent and is taken internally to relieve bleeding haemorrhoids[303 ]. It is also applied to reduce the enlargement of the spleen[303 ]. The root bark contains a bitter alkaloid and is used as an abortifacient[303 ]. The antiseptic root juice is put on sores and ulcers and used to clean teeth[303 ].

Known Hazards

The seeds are poisonous[309 ]. Pounded and roasted seeds used to be utilized as fish poison[303 ].(Seed is poisonous if ingested)