Karanj tree (Pongame Oiltree) is species of tree in the pea family. It is fast-growing deciduous tree with large canopy and found throughout Asia.

The leaves are a soft, shiny burgundy in early summer and mature to a glossy, deep green as the season progresses. It produces flowers of white, purple and pink colour which are used by gardeners to make compost for nutrient demanding plants.

It is one of the few nitrogen fixing trees that produce seeds containing 20-30 % Oil. The thick yellow-orange oil has a bitter taste, thus not considered edible. But it is extensively used in villages as a substitute bio-gas. It is best for lighting, running pumps to extract water etc.

It is a hardy tree which can tolerate heat waves and intense sunlight. It has a network of dense lateral roots and its thick, long taproot make it drought resistant. The tree is often planted along highways, roads and canals to stop soil erosion.