The tree is known as Indian beech, pongam oil tree. The scientific/botanical name of Indian beech is Pongamia Pinnata. It belongs to the Fabaceae family. The trees are grown and seen in India, China, Japan, Malaysia and Australia.
It is called Indian beech/Pongam in English, Karanj in Hindi, Kanuga in Telugu, Karanja in Sanskrit, Honge in kannada, Pingai in Tamil and Karanja in Bengali. I am mostly raised by roadsides and parks. Grows to a height of 50 to 80 feet. A very fast-growing tree. My leaves are slightly rounded, and the flowers are clustered in blue and white colors. They bloom in the months of February and March. Nuts contain seeds. Beech oil is extracted from these.
Indian Beech is a medicinal herb that has its use mainly in treating skin disorders. All the parts of beech are used for medicinal purposes. It has anti-inflammatory activity. The leaves of beech tree are a rich source of antioxidants. Also, the leaves are used as fertilizer and insecticide.
The benefits of Indian beech are it treats constipation, improves your appetite, prevents osteoarthritis, treats cough and cold, cures urinary diseases, treats diabetes, heals wounds, relieves inflammation, diarrhea and reduces abscess and eczema.
The leaves is also used in Manufacuring soaps and as sticks in Toothbrushes. The oil is also used to light the lamps. It is also as a lubricant. It is used in medicines used for arthritis. In some places oil engines are used as fuel to turn and supply electricity. Attempts are being made to use me as fuel in diesel generators. It is also used as Biodiesel.