Fig. 47.-The pongam, Pongamia pinnata.


Leaves are lanceolate to ovate, up to 3 inches long and about 1 inch
wide.

 Podocarpus trees are relatively free of insect and disease pests
and are useful as accent and specimen plants for clipped and un-
clipped hedges, as barrier plantings, in borders, for creating tropical
effects and as base plants for large buildings.


 Pongamia pinnata. Leguminosae. Pongam or Poonga-Oil Tree.
Southern area. Evergreen. Tropical Asia and Australia.

 Pongam is a quick-growing, dense, spreading tree usually grow-
ing to 45 feet high but sometimes reaching 75 feet with a spread of 40
feet (Fig. 47). Glossy green compound leaves are odd-pinnate with
either 5 or 7 broadly ovate leaflets about 3 inches long. White, pink
or lavender pea-like flowers are produced in hanging clusters up to
5 inches long. Fruits are short, flat, thick pods with an incurving
point, and contain a single seed.

 Trees are resistant to damage from heavy winds and well suited
to street or windbreak planting. Pongam is also moderately tolerant
of salt spray and is suitable for seaside planting. Insect and disease
pests are not a problem with this tree in Florida.