This species is native to the Indian subcontinent but was later on introduced to places with humid lowland tropics which includes Malaysia, Australia, Oceania, Hawaii, Florida, and California. This tree is also commonly found throughout our country. Bani occurs along seashores, coastal forests, and extends inshore near the borders of the lakes. They grow well in wild, sandy, and rocky soils including limestone.
Bani grows to about 15–25 meters in height and sheds its leaves for short periods. It grows with a large canopy spreading wide that’s why it is often used as a windbreak or for shade. Bani's flowers are small clusters of white, purple and pink which are used by gardeners as compost for plants requiring rich nutrients.
The wood is said to be beautifully grained but splits easily when cut, thus, using it to firewood, posts, and tool handles.
The oil extracted from its seeds, known as pongamia oil, can be used as a lubricant, fuel in kerosene, lamp oil, for leather dressing, and in soap making.
It is also proven to have a lot of benefits as well as medicinal use and properties which includes antiseptic and stimulant healing properties for skin diseases, scabies, sores and herpes.
FUN FACT: A town in Pangasinan is named after this magnificent tree!
SOURCES: https://www.celineism.com/2016/06/9-philippine-native-trees-better-than-cherry-blossoms.html
https://erdb.denr.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/denr_v11.pdf