Scientific Name
Punica granatum L.
Common Name(s)
Pomegranate
Synonym(s)
Punica nana
Scientific Classification
Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Punica
Flower
Color: Bright red
Bloom Time: July to August
Description
Punica granatum is a shrub or a small tree that grows up to 32.8 feet (10 m) tall. Leaves are opposite or sub-opposite, glossy, narrow oblong, entire, up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long, and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide.
The flowers are bright red, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter, and with four to five petals. The edible fruits are up to 4.7 inches (12 cm) in diameter with a rounded hexagonal shape and have thick reddish skin. The number of seeds can vary from 200 to about 1400.
How to Grow and Care
The Pomegranate shrub is somewhat drought tolerant and also salt tolerant. It is perfect for the sunniest and warmest locations in the yard that might scorch other plants. Pomegranate flowers can be used along with other annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees that attract hummingbirds. The Pomegranate is a popular choice for bonsai. The bark is a red-brown color, and branches may have spines.
Pomegranate may be grown in part shade as necessary, but ideally should be placed somewhere with as much sun and warmth as possible. The Pomegranate is drought tolerant, though irrigation is needed for proper fruit production, per the California Rare Fruit Growers. Water every 2 to 4 weeks during the dry season when you establish new shrubs. The optimal areas for this fruit are USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. It is thought to have come from Iran initially. The Pomegranate does best in well-drained soil, though it can thrive in a wide variety of soils, from acid loam to alkaline soil.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Pomegranate.
Origin
Punica granatum is native from Iran to the Himalayas in northern India.
Links
- Back to genus Punica
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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