Millettia Pinnata Seeds

Millettia pinnata is a medium-sized, fast-growing, deciduous shrub or tree, in Fabaceae or Leguminosae-Papilionoideae family, with a broad distribution from India, through central and south-eastern Asia, Indonesia and into northern Australia. It grows to 15–25 m height, prefers humid tropical and subtropical climates and can tolerate a wide range of soils, including saline soils, but its highest growth rates are observed on well drained soils with assured moisture. Can tolerate a range of different conditions with mean annual rainfall between 500–2500 mm and temperature below 0°C to 50°C. The small clusters of coloured flowers blossom on the branches throughout the year, maturing into brown seed pods.

The Millettia seeds contains 30-40% oil, and is said to be the new source of ‘biofuel". The various parts of the tree like root, bark, leaves, sap, and flower have been used in indigenous medicine, notably for the treatment of rheumatism, and it is also planted for its shade and is grown as an ornamental tree due to the large canopy and showy fragrant flowers. The seed cake, remaining when oil is extracted from the seeds, is used as organic fertiliser or as animal stock feed.