Punica granatum L.

Pomegranate

Tree

Perennial

Vascular

Pomegranate is an introduced shrub in the Loosestrife family (Lythraceae). It is native to the Central Asian region from Iran to northern India, but is now widely cultivated worldwide. In Alabama in is grown statewide and occasionally persists. Pomegranate can be found around old home sites, on fence rows, and around fields and pastures. It is a multi-trunked shrub reaching heights of 6-30 feet. Plants tend to sucker from the roots, forming thickets. The leaves are deciduous in our area, but evergreen in warmer climates. The branches are spiny to varying degrees. Leaves are petiolate, oblong to lanceolate in outline, glabrous, with entire margins. The leaves are somewhat leathery in texture. The leaves are opposite or in whorls. Flowers are produced singly or in clusters of 3-5 at the tips of branches. The flowers have a thick tubular calyx that is red in color. There are 3-7 red, orange, or white petals and numerous stamens. The fruit is a round leathery-skinned berry with the calyx prominent. It is yellow, orange, or red when mature. The interior of the berry is divided into sections by membranes and spongy partitions. The fruit contains 200-1400 seed, each surrounded by a sac filled with a tart, pinkish or red juice. Pomegranate is commonly grown for its edible fruit and showy flowers. Many cultivars are available from nurseries. Plants are resistant to drought and mostly disease and pest free. They prefer a well-draining soil and full sun. Plants can also be grown from seed or cuttings.--A. Diamond

**

Not Native

**