Pongamia pinnata, commonly known as Indian Beech or Pongame Oiltree, is a deciduous legume tree native to coastal and riverine areas of eastern and tropical Asia, northern Australia, and some Pacific islands. It typically grows to a height of 49-82 feet with a broad, spreading canopy that can be equally wide. The tree’s appearance is characterized by its smooth, light brown bark and elongated leaflets, which are arranged in pinnate fashion. It produces clusters of fragrant, purple or white flowers during the spring, followed by seed pods containing oil-rich seeds. The flowers are moderately showy and attract pollinators.

Indian Beech is valued for its shade, ornamental flowers, and its adaptability to a range of soil types, including poor and saline soils. It is often used for reforestation projects, soil erosion control, and as a windbreak due to its deep root system. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade, moderate watering, and well-drained soils. It is also known for its potential in biofuel production, as the seeds yield a non-edible oil that can be processed into biodiesel. However, gardeners should be aware of its potential invasiveness outside its native range and its susceptibility to pests like the Pongamia webworm.CC BY-SA 4.0