Indian Beech
/ˌɪn.di.ən ˈbiːtʃ/noun
A tropical tree, usually Pongamia pinnata, native to the Indian subcontinent and valued for its oil-producing seeds and hardy wood.
Did you know?Although it is called “beech,” Indian beech is not a true beech; the name comes from a resemblance in its foliage or wood, while the tree belongs to the bean family.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhāgos
“Beech tree, probably referring to a familiar European timber tree.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
φηγός (phēgós)
“A beech or oak-like tree; the term was also associated with a tree producing edible mast.”
Classical Latin
Latin
fāgus
“Beech tree; source of the scientific genus name Fagus.”
Proto-Germanic
Germanic
*bōkō
“Beech tree; beechwood was associated with carved tablets or writing material.”
Old English
Old English
bēce
“Beech tree.”
16th Century
English
Indian beech
“An English descriptive name for a beech-like tree from India; later commonly applied to Pongamia pinnata.”
Modern English
English
Indian beech
“The established common name for Pongamia pinnata, also called pongam or karanja.”