Explore Punica granatum (Pomegranate) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Punica granatum | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Pomegranate
Family: Lythraceae
Appearance: A small tree or shrub with glossy leaves, showy red flowers, and large fruit containing seeds encased in juicy arils.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous
Layer: Shrub/Small Tree
Root System: Features a deep taproot with extensive lateral roots
Height: Up to 6 meters
Width: Approximately 3-4 meters
Lifespan: Can live for over 200 years in optimal conditions
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Bees and other insects
Toxicity: Not known to be toxic
Punica granatum | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Iran to the Himalayas, and the Mediterranean region
Companionship: Often grown alongside other Mediterranean crops, such as olives and figs
Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 11
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: High tolerance
Shade: Low tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: Moderate tolerance
Maritime: Low tolerance
Air Pollution: High tolerance
Fire: Moderate tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions
Soil Type: Well-drained sandy or loamy soils
Soil PH: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline (6.0 - 7.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Can be propagated by seeds, though seedlings do not always come true to type
Cuttings: Yes, hardwood cuttings are commonly used
Punica granatum | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: The fruit is widely consumed fresh and used in beverages and cooking
Medicinal: Known for its antioxidant properties, it is used in traditional medicine to support heart health and fight inflammation
Cosmetics: Pomegranate extracts are used in skincare for their anti-aging properties
Animal Feed: Occasionally used as fodder
Fiber: Not typically used for fiber
Timber: The wood is dense and hard, sometimes used in small crafts
Firewood: Yes, can be used as firewood
Wind Break: Not typically used as a windbreak
Fence: Not typically used as a barrier plant
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and other insects
Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides food for birds and small animals who feed on the fruit
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