Pomegranate family
Description
A monotypic family of deciduous shrubs and trees occurring from Southeast Europe to the Himalayas (Punicaceae 1).
The leaves are opposite and simple. The flowers are regular, with 5 - 8 sepals and petals, many stamens and an inferior ovary. The fruit is a berry with a leathery skin, seated on the persistent calyx, with numerous seeds surrounded by a pink juicy pulp.
Use
The family yields the pomegranate, an important fruit in the tropics and subtropics.
Described species
Punica granatum, pomegranate