The Indian Beech prefers a wide range of climates, from below 0°C to 50°C, and can thrive at altitudes up to 1200 m. It can withstand both arid conditions and receive rainfall ranging from 500 - 2,500 mm. It is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, rocky, and even limestone soils. Additionally, it exhibits high tolerance to salinity, even in the presence of saltwater.
Indian Beech
Indian Beech, also known as Derris Indica, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to India. It is fast-growing and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and soil types. The tree produces seeds that contain oil used for various purposes, and its bark fiber is used to make strong ropes. It also has insect-repelling properties and is valued for its shade and foliage, making it beneficial for livestock and agriculture.
Derris indica
India
The Indian Beech, also known as Derris, Oil Tree, Pongam, Ponga, Kona, Kanji, Paripari, Karanda, and Karanja, is a medium-sized deciduous tree with spreading or drooping branches. It is native to India and is now found worldwide. This fast-growing tree can reach its mature height in 4-5 years. The Indian Beech is highly adaptable and can withstand temperatures ranging from below 0°C to 50°C. It thrives in various altitudes, from sea level to 1200 meters. It prefers a rainfall range of 500-2500 mm and is commonly found in sandy and rocky soils. It can grow on different soil types, including limestone, and is highly tolerant of salinity, even with roots in saltwater. This tree is valuable for livestock, particularly in arid areas. Its shade promotes the growth of grasses, and its foliage is believed to be high in protein. The seeds of the Indian Beech contain a yellow or red-brown oil (30-40%). While the oil is not edible, it finds various uses as a lubricant, fuel for kerosene lamps, leather dressing, soap manufacturing, and in varnishes and paints. It is also known for its antiseptic properties and is used in treating human and animal skin diseases. The dried leaves of the Indian Beech have an insect-repellent odor and are used to protect stored grain. They can also be ploughed into the soil as green manure and are said to repel nematodes. The presscake, left after oil extraction, is sought after by Indian farmers as an insecticide and has also been proven to be a good poultry feed. The bark fiber of the Indian Beech is used to make strong ropes, and its wood is highly valued as firewood due to its calorific value of 4600 kcal/kg. The wood, though coarse in texture and somewhat difficult to work with, is often used in cabinet making because of its beautiful grain. It is also utilized for making cartwheels and posts. The seeds of the Indian Beech remain viable for a long time, and the tree can easily grow from cuttings of all sizes. The seedlings transplant easily, and the tree readily produces suckers. It sheds a significant amount of litter from leaf, flower, and pod drop. Other relevant information about this plant includes its ability to provide shade for grass growth, its usage in treating skin diseases, its effectiveness as an insecticide and poultry feed, and the strength of its bark fiber for making ropes. The Indian Beech is also valued for its wood, which is commonly used as firewood, in cabinet making, and for constructing cartwheels and posts.
- Grows wild on sandy and rocky soils - Will grow on most soil types, including limestone - Highly tolerant of salinity even with the roots in salt water
Family: FABACEAE/PAPILIONACEAE
Also known as derris, oil tree, pongam, ponga, kona, kanji, paripari, karanda and karanja, this is a leguminous medium - sized, deciduous, thornless tree (to 8 m) with spreading or drooping branches. Originally native to India, it is now widely distributed throughout the world. It is considered fast growing, reaching mature height in 4 - 5 years.
Mature trees withstand temperatures from below 0oC to 50°C and thrive from sea level to 1200 m altitude. They require a rainfall from 500 - 2,500 mm and grow wild on sandy and rocky soils. They will grow on most soil types, including limestone and are highly tolerant of salinity even with the roots in salt water.
It is a valued livestock tree, especially in arid areas. Grasses grow well in its shade, and the foliage is probably high in protein.
The seeds contain a yellow or red - brown oil (30 - 40%) which is not edible but can be used as a lubricant or as a fuel for kerosene lamps. It is also used as a leather dressing, in soap manufac-turing and in varnishes and paints. It is also reputed to have antiseptic value in treating human and animal skin diseases.
The dried leaves have an odour which repels insects and are used to protect stored grain from insects. They are also ploughed into the soil as a green manure and are said to repel nematodes.
The presscake left after the oil has been extracted is sought after by Indian farmers as an insecticide and has also been demonstrated to be a good poultry feed.
The bark fibre is used to make rope which is very strong, and the wood is a good firewood with a calorific value of 4600 kcal\kg. The wood is coarse textured and although somewhat difficult to work is often used in cabinet making because of its beautiful grain. It is also used for making cartwheels and posts.
The seeds remain viable for a long time and it grows readily from cuttings of all sizes. The seedlings transplant easily. The root system is extensive at the surface and it suckers readily. It creates a lot of litter from leaf, flower and pod drop.