Karanj Seed - High-quality Bio-diesel Source 30-40% Oil Content Ornamental Tree

Pongamia pinnata (karanj seed) is one of the few nitrogen fixing trees (NFTS) to produce seeds containing 30-40% oil. It is often planted as an ornamental and shade tree but now-a-days it is considered as alternative source for Bio- Diesel. This species is commonly called pongam karanja or a derivation of these names.
Botany : Pongam (Leguminoceae subfamily Papilionoideae) is a medium sized tree that generally attains a height of about 8 m and a trunk diameter of more than 50 cm. The trunk is generally short with thick branches spreading into a dense hemispherical crown of dark green leaves. The bark is thin gray to grayish- brown and yellow on the inside. The taproot is thick and long; lateral roots are numerous and well developed.
The alternate compound pinnate leaves consist of 5 or 7 leaflets which are arranged in 2 or 3 pairs and a single terminal leaflet. Leaflets are 5-10 cm long 4-6 cm wide and pointed at the tip. Flowers borne on racemes are pink light purple or white. Pods are elliptical 3-6 cm long and 2-3 cm wide thick walled and usually contain a single seed. Seeds are 10-20 cm long oblong and light brown in color.