Pomegranate
Family Punicaceae
Punica granatum, the pomegranate (P. granatum 1), is a deciduous shrub or small tree, up to 7 m tall, with opposite glossy, ovoid to lanceolate leaves, 4-8 cm long, and vivid orange-red flowers (P. granatum 2), up to 5 cm across, with numerous stamens and an inferior ovary (P. granatum 6). The fruit is a globose berry, 7-12 cm across, with a leathery skin, yellow to red in colour and surmounted by the persistent calyx (P. granatum 3). The fruit is divided into several compartments, each containing many seeds embedded in a pinkish-red pulp (P. granatum 5).
Distribution
The pomegranate is a native of the Middle East and was known in ancient Egypt. It was grown in the famous hanging gardens of Babylon. Together with the fig and grape, the pomegranate was a symbol of prosperity in the history of the Middle East. It was spread early around the Mediterranean and from there eastwards to India and China. The name Punica is derived from the ancient Latin name ‘ malus punicum’ , which means Phoenician apple, or apple of Carthage. Today it has been taken to most parts of the tropics and subtropics (P. granatum 4).
Use
The acid pulp is the edible portion, and is eaten fresh or made into drinks. The seeds are used in syrups and conserves. The pigments from the skin have been used for long times for dying Persian rugs. The skin also contains tannins.