Caleda glabra (Pongamia glabra)

Other names: Karanja, Indian leatherleaf, pongamia pinnata, millettia pinnata

Kaleda glabra or Pongamia glabra is a tree native to Asia, found mainly in India, Burma, Sri Lanka or Thailand. This plant species is also known by the terms Karanja, Indian leatherwood, pongamia pinnata or millettia pinnata. The tree grows up to 15 metres in height and is notable for its flowers from which the seeds are obtained.

The seeds of the caldera are a rich source of oil, which has a long tradition of use in India both in medicine and in the cosmetic industry. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, it is used as a remedy for various skin problems, including eczema, psoriasis and acne. In cosmetics, it is used for its highly moisturizing and nourishing abilities. In addition, it is an important ingredient in many shampoos, conditioners and other hair products, where it helps to improve hair quality and prevent hair loss. In addition to medicine and cosmetics, karanja oil is also increasingly used as a biofuel, as it is one of the best plant sources of biodiesel. In India, the use of this oil in biofuels is very promising, as the kaleda tree is able to grow on infertile soils that are not suitable for growing food crops. The bark of the tree is also used in the production of varnish and dyes.