Punica granatum - a fruit bearing shrub or tree.
Pomegranates, Punica granatum (Genus Punica) is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to Iran. It has since spread to the Caucasus, Himalayas, and Kerala.
Pomegranates have been cultivated for their fruit since ancient times. Today, cultivation is common in the Middle East, and Central & Southern Asia; and has spread to drier parts of the Mediterranean, and Latin America (including California and Arizona).
As well as being grown as a fruit crop, pomegranates are often grown as ornamental trees. They are also drought tolerant but can be prone to fungal root decay in wetter climates.
The pomegranate fruit contains large numbers of seeds. These can be consumed raw. Each seed has a red casing (aril) that contains juice. The juice is used to make grenadine syrup, and is often also used in traditional Middle Eastern recipes.
Use this tag for all questions about growing pomegranate trees/shrubs.
