Pongamia is a deciduous tree to about 15-25 metres with a large canopy. Flourishes in intense heat and sunlight. Its dense network of lateral roots and its thick, long taproot make it drought tolerant. Grows wild on sandy and rocky soils, including oolitic limestone, but will grow in most soil types, even with its roots in salt water.
This tree has many uses: landscaping, bark can be used to make twine, black gum is used to treat wounds, lamp oil, biodiesel. Juices from the plant, as well as the oil, are antiseptic and resistant to pests.
All parts of the plant are toxic and will induce nausea and vomiting if eaten.

Photo: Robert Whyte
Foliage and flowers

Photo: Robert Whyte
Flowers

Photo: Robert Whyte
Flower closeup

Photo: Robert Whyte
Fruit
Produces seeds of 30-40 per cent lipid content (very high oil content). The seed oil is an important asset of this tree having been used as lamp oil, in soap making and as a lubricant. Recently the seed oil has been found to be useful in diesel generators and along with Jatropha spp. it is being explored in hundreds of projects throughout India and the third world as feedstock for biodiesel.

Photo: Robert Whyte