Pungam, karanj in Hindi, is the Indian beech, a glossy evergreen planted along roads, tank bunds and coasts across India. Its seeds yield karanja oil, which is bitter and inedible but was burned in lamps and is used for soap, skin preparations and as a biodiesel feedstock. The tree fixes nitrogen and tolerates salt and drought. Botanists now often call it Millettia pinnata.
- Botanical name
- Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Tamil
- Pungam
- Hindi
- Karanj
- Sanskrit
- Karañja
- Parts used
- Seed oil, Leaves in lists
- Habit
- Shade tree of coasts and tank bunds with a bitter seed oil
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Pungam
It is a medium-sized, spreading tree with a short trunk and dense, shady crown.
The bark is smooth and grey-brown.
The leaves are pinnate, with five to seven glossy, pointed leaflets; new leaves flush pinkish-red.
Pink, lilac or white pea-flowers hang in clusters in spring.
The pod is flat, woody, oval and beaked, holding one or two seeds.
The seed is flat, kidney-shaped and brown, bitter to taste.
Traditional use of Pungam
Household
Karanja oil was burned in lamps and used to make soap in villages.
Indian village practice
Ayurveda
Karanja oil is applied to skin complaints such as scabies and eczema.
Ayurvedic practice
Farming
Leaves are spread on fields as green manure, and the oil cake is used as fertiliser and pest repellent.
Indian farm practice
Modern notes on Pungam
The oil contains karanjin, a furanoflavonoid that makes it bitter and toxic to eat.
Karanja oil has been tested as a biodiesel fuel.
The tree is planted for land restoration because it fixes nitrogen and grows on poor soil.
Pungam safety
Do not eat the seeds or oil, which cause vomiting and are toxic, especially to children.
Ecology and sourcing
It grows wild along rivers and coasts from India to Australia.
Bees visit its spring flowers.
Its pods float and spread by water.
Related plants
Also in Fabaceae
Questions about Pungam
Is karanja oil edible?
No.
What is Pungam used for?
Lamps, soap, skin care and biodiesel.
Why is Pungam planted on tank bunds?
It holds soil and tolerates water.
What is the Pungam’s newer name?
Millettia pinnata.
Does Pungam fix nitrogen?
Yes.
Is the tree safe in gardens?
Yes. Only the seeds and oil are toxic.
Sources
- Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q24852568 (Pongamia pinnata)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.