Botanical Name: Punica granatum
Family: Lythraceae
Subfamily: Punicoideae
Kingdom:Plantae
Order: Myrtales
Genus: Punica
Species: P. granatum
Synonyms:
*Punica florida Salisb.
*Punica grandiflora hort. ex Steud.
*Punica nana L.
*Punica spinosa Lam
Common Names: Pomegranate
Habitat: Punica granatum (pomegranate) is native to the region that covers territories from a part of Iran to northern India. Wild P. granatum L. types have their natural distribution in central Asia from Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, to northern India, and this region is considered the center of origin of pomegranate
Description:
The pomegranate plant is a large deciduous shrub or small tree that has smooth, evergreen leaves and showy orange to red flowers. It grows between 5 and 10 m (16 and 33 ft) tall. It has rounded fruit with a dry outer covering (husk) made up of two layers: a hard-outer layer called an epicarp, a soft inner layer called a mesocarp.
Cultivation:
For best results, grow Punica granatum in well-drained soil in full sun. Pomegranates need a long, hot summer to produce fruit and a temperature between 13ºC and 16ºC in autumn for the fruit to ripen. Try growing plants against a warm, south- or west-facing wall, either free-standing or trained against the wall.
Propagation:
Punica granatum is highly amenable for clonal propagation by stem cuttings using low-cost non-mist propagator and 0.4% IBA treatment may be recommended for mass production of quality planting stocks for the cultivation of the species in homestead agroforestry or in fruit orchards.
Edible Uses:
Pomegranate seeds and juice have myriad culinary uses throughout the traditional cuisines of the Mediterranean and Middle East. Typically, pomegranate arils are consumed fresh or used for preparing juice, canned beverages, jelly, jam, and as a natural flavor and colorant.
Medicinal Uses:
Pomegranates can have up to three times more antioxidants than green tea or red wine. Antioxidants protect cells from damage, prevent diseases — such as cancer — and reduce inflammation and the effects of aging. The fruit is used for Cancer, Osteoarthritis and Other Diseases. The pomegranate has been used in natural and holistic medicine to treat sore throats, coughs, urinary infections, digestive disorders, skin disorders, arthritis, and to expel tapeworms.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate
