Pongamia glabra

Pongamia glabra, known as the Indian Beech or Pongam Tree

Pongamia glabra towers gracefully, reaching heights of 15–25 meters with an expansive canopy that extends equally wide. Its bark, ranging from smooth to vertically fissured in grey-brown hues, envelops a trunk that may stand straight or twist with character. Branches, smooth and bearing pale stipulate scars, branch out elegantly, creating a verdant spectacle and making it perfect as an ornamental tree.

The leaves of Pongamia glabra (Millettia pinata) dance with the breeze, alternating in a symphony of shapes and colors. Short-stalked and imparipinnate, they start with soft, shiny burgundy tones, evolving into glossy, deep green shades as they mature, revealing intricate veins below. After a few years, the tree bursts into bloom, showcasing clusters of fragrant flowers in hues of white, purple, and pink, adorning its branches throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Pongamia glabra, also dubbed Pongam, Karum Tree, offers its enchanting presence. With a spreading canopy and a domed head atop a short trunk, it emanates a sense of vitality. Its pinnate leaves, glossy and vibrant, emerge with a pink-bronze blush, transforming into a bright green canopy. As the seasons transition into summer and autumn, racemes of mauve-pink or cream flowers cascade from its branches, filling the air with their sweet fragrance.

In essence, these trees stand as testaments to nature’s artistry, each bearing unique traits and beauty that enrich the landscapes they inhabit.