Millettia pinnata – Pongamia

Description

Millettia pinnata (syn. Pongamia pinnata) – Indian Beech

Family: Fabaceae
Packet Size: 5 seeds

Description

Indian Beech, also called Pongamia, is a spreading coastal and riverine tree native across tropical Asia and parts of northern Australia. Often listed as Millettia pinnata, its accepted name in the Australian Plant Census and Kew Plants of the World Online is Pongamia pinnata.

The tree develops a shady crown of glossy pinnate leaves and clusters of pale pink, white or lilac pea-like flowers, followed by flattened woody pods. Typically reaching around 5–10 m or more where conditions suit, it is an appealing choice for large warm-climate gardens and appropriate coastal plantings.

Key Features

• Foliage: Glossy compound leaves with oval leaflets and fresh bronze-toned new growth.
• Flowers: Small white to pale pink or lilac pea flowers in clusters.
• Habit: Wide-spreading shade tree adapted to warm coastal and riverine environments.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun is ideal.
• Soil: Well-drained soil with some moisture during establishment; tolerates coastal conditions when established.
• Climate: Tropical and warm subtropical regions; protect young plants from frost.
• Care: Allow ample root and canopy space and water well while young.

Propagation from Seed

1. Prepare: Sow the supplied cleaned, sound seeds directly. Pongamia generally germinates without scarification, boiling water or soaking; nicking the seed coat is unnecessary.
2. Sow: Place each seed in a deep, free-draining seed-raising container, covering to about its own thickness.
3. Germinate: Keep warm and evenly moist without waterlogging. Fresh, viable seed commonly germinates within roughly 1–5 weeks, although timing varies.
4. Pot on: Move to deeper pots before roots become crowded; harden seedlings off gradually.

Botanical Note

Although the pods resemble edible legumes, Pongamia seeds and other plant parts are not a food crop and should not be eaten.

Germination advice: These instructions are a recommended guide. Germination results and timing may vary depending on seed freshness, storage, temperature and growing conditions. Alternative propagation methods may also be successful.