Pongamia Tree (Pongamia Glabra)

The Pongamia Tree, scientifically known as Pongamia glabra and commonly called Pongam or Indian Beech, is a medium-sized evergreen tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. Native to India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, it is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions for its resilience, shade, and multiple practical uses. The tree typically grows up to 4 meters in height and develops a broad, spreading crown that can extend up to 10 meters in diameter, making it an excellent shade tree for avenues, parks, and large landscapes.

The Pongamia Tree has attractive, glossy green leaves that are pinnate, with 6–9 oblong to elliptic leaflets arranged alternately along the stem. During the flowering season, it produces clusters of fragrant white to pale pink flowers arranged in racemes, adding ornamental value to its otherwise dense green canopy. These flowers are followed by flat, woody pods measuring about 2–3 inches long, each containing 1–4 hard, brown seeds. Pongamia is highly valued for its seeds, which yield oil used in biofuel production, traditional medicine, and various industrial applications, making it both an ornamental and economically important tree.

Caring for your Pongamia Tree

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Light requirement: Full sun
Watering schedule: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil type: Well-drained soil; adapts well to sandy, loamy, and clay soils
Humidity: Moderate to high
Fertilization: Once every 2–3 months during the growing season
Pruning: Minimal; prune to shape and remove dead or weak branches
Pet friendliness: Generally non-toxic

With its hardy nature, dense shade, fragrant flowers, and environmental benefits, the Pongamia Tree is an excellent choice for sustainable landscaping and large garden spaces.