Millettia pinnata

(Pongamia)

Description

A native tree commonly found on campus along the watercourses. It has compound leaves with 5-9 leaflets and is deciduous or semi- deciduous when flowering. The new growth which appears at the end of flowering is coppery-coloured. The pea-shaped flowers vary from pink to mauve and these are followed by indehiscent, brown, flattish woody pods about 2 cm long. In India oil is extracted from the seeds. Leaves can be used for stock feed in times of drought. Insects galls commonly present appear like small brownish peas. Previously known as Pongamia pinnata.