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Punica granatum - Pomegranate

Updated: 8 hours ago

Explore Punica granatum (Pomegranate) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Punica granatum - Pomegranate

Punica granatum | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Pomegranate

Family: Lythraceae

Appearance: A small tree or shrub with glossy leaves, showy red flowers, and large fruit containing seeds encased in juicy arils.

Type: Perennial

Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous

Layer: Shrub/Small Tree

Root System: Features a deep taproot with extensive lateral roots

Height: Up to 6 meters

Width: Approximately 3-4 meters

Lifespan: Can live for over 200 years in optimal conditions

Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Bees and other insects

Toxicity: Not known to be toxic

Punica granatum | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

  • Native Range: Iran to the Himalayas, and the Mediterranean region

  • Companionship: Often grown alongside other Mediterranean crops, such as olives and figs

  • Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive

  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 11

  • Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified

Resistance/Tolerance

  • Poor Soil: High tolerance

  • Drought: High tolerance

  • Shade: Low tolerance

  • Flood: Low tolerance

  • Wind: Moderate tolerance

  • Maritime: Low tolerance

  • Air Pollution: High tolerance

  • Fire: Moderate tolerance

Thriving Conditions

  • Sun Exposure: Full sun

  • Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions

  • Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils

  • Soil PH: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline (6.0 - 7.5)

Propagation

  • Seeds: Can be propagated by seeds, though seedlings do not always come true to type

  • Cuttings: Yes, hardwood cuttings are commonly used

Punica granatum | Functional Uses and Benefits

Edible: The fruit is widely consumed fresh and used in beverages and cooking

Medicinal: Known for its antioxidant properties, it is used in traditional medicine to support heart health and fight inflammation

Cosmetics: Pomegranate extracts are used in skincare for their anti-aging properties

Animal Feed: Occasionally used as fodder

Fiber: Not typically used for fiber

Timber: The wood is dense and hard, sometimes used in small crafts

Firewood: Yes, can be used as firewood

Wind Break: Not typically used as a windbreak

Fence: Not typically used as a barrier plant

Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop

Mulch: Not typically used as mulch

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available

Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and other insects

Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent

Wildlife Supporter: Provides food for birds and small animals who feed on the fruit

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