Pomegranate
Punica granatum
Pomegranate
Punica granatum
The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous fruit-bearing shrub in the family Lythraceae. It typically grows between 5 and 10 metres tall and is widely cultivated in warm, dry regions around the world.
The fruit is roughly round, about the size of a lemon to a small grapefruit, with a thick reddish-purple rind. Inside, the fruit is divided into irregular chambers by white, spongy membranes. These chambers are packed with hundreds of juicy seeds—called arils—each surrounded by a thick, fleshy seed coat. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, a single pomegranate may contain anywhere from 200 to over 1,000 seeds. Botanically, it is considered a type of berry formed from a single flower.
Pomegranate flowers are bright red, about 3 cm across, and typically have between three and seven petals. When the plant is in full bloom, it is quite striking, which is why pomegranates are grown both for their fruit and as ornamental shrubs or small trees in gardens and parks.
The fruit and its juice are widely used in cooking and baking, added to salads and desserts, mixed into drinks, or enjoyed fresh. Its tart-sweet flavour and vibrant colour make it popular in cuisines around the world.
Order: Myrtales
Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Punica
Binomial name: Punica granatum
Punica granatum
The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous fruit-bearing shrub in the family Lythraceae. It typically grows between 5 and 10 metres tall and is widely cultivated in warm, dry regions around the world.
The fruit is roughly round, about the size of a lemon to a small grapefruit, with a thick reddish-purple rind. Inside, the fruit is divided into irregular chambers by white, spongy membranes. These chambers are packed with hundreds of juicy seeds—called arils—each surrounded by a thick, fleshy seed coat. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, a single pomegranate may contain anywhere from 200 to over 1,000 seeds. Botanically, it is considered a type of berry formed from a single flower.
Pomegranate flowers are bright red, about 3 cm across, and typically have between three and seven petals. When the plant is in full bloom, it is quite striking, which is why pomegranates are grown both for their fruit and as ornamental shrubs or small trees in gardens and parks.
The fruit and its juice are widely used in cooking and baking, added to salads and desserts, mixed into drinks, or enjoyed fresh. Its tart-sweet flavour and vibrant colour make it popular in cuisines around the world.
Order: Myrtales
Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Punica
Binomial name: Punica granatum
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