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{{Taxobox
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Pomegranate}}
{{Infobox fruit
| name = Pomegranate
| name = Pomegranate
| image = Pomegranate03 edit.jpg
| image = Pomegranate_fruit.jpg
| image_caption = Fruit of pomegranate split open showing the juicy seeds on the inside.
| image_caption = A ripe pomegranate fruit
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| unranked_divisio = [[Flowering plant|Angiosperms]]
| unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
| unranked_ordo = [[Rosids]]
| ordo = [[Myrtales]]
| familia = [[Lythraceae]]
| genus = ''[[Punica]]''
| genus = ''[[Punica]]''
| species = '''''P. granatum'''''
| species = ''[[Punica granatum]]''
| binomial = ''Punica granatum''
| binomial = ''Punica granatum''
| binomial_authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]
| family = [[Lythraceae]]
| synonyms = *''Punica florida'' <small>Salisb. </small>
| origin = [[Iran]] to northern [[India]]
* ''Punica grandiflora '' <small>hort. ex Steud. </small>
* ''Punica nana '' <small>L. </small>
* ''Punica spinosa '' <small>Lam.</small>
}}
}}
The '''pomegranate''', botanical name '''''Punica granatum''''', is a [[fruit]]-bearing [[deciduous]] [[shrub]] or small [[tree]] that grows between {{convert|5|and|8|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall. It is also called 'anar' in India.
[[File:Pomegranate 5.jpg|alt=Pomegranate on tree|thumb|Pomegranate on tree]]
[[File:Anar(Pomegranate).jpg|alt=Pomegranate|thumb|'''Pomegranate''']]
[[File:Pomegranate juice with slice.jpg|alt=Pomegranate juice with slice|thumb|Pomegranate juice with slice]]


Although previously placed in its own family '''Punicaceae''', recent [[Phylogeny|phylogenetic]] studies have shown that ''Punica'' belongs in the family [[Lythraceae]], and it is classified in that family by the [[Angiosperm Phylogeny Group]].
The '''pomegranate''' (''Punica granatum'') is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub in the family [[Lythraceae]], subfamily [[Punicaceae]], that grows between 5 and 10 m (16 and 33 ft) tall. The pomegranate was originally described throughout the [[Mediterranean]] region.


[[File:Pomegranate fruit - whole and piece with arils.jpg|thumb]]
==Botanical Description==
</div>
The pomegranate is a [[deciduous]] shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. It has multiple spiny branches and is extremely long-lived, with some specimens in [[France]] surviving for 200 years. The leaves are opposite or subopposite, glossy, narrow oblong, entire, 3–7 cm long and 2 cm broad. The flowers are bright red and 3 cm in diameter, with four to five petals.
==Name==
The name "'''pomegranate'''" comes from [[medieval Latin]] ''pōmum'' "apple" and ''grānātum'' "seeded".


The French term for pomegranate, ''grenade'', has given its name to the military [[grenade]].
===Fruit===
The pomegranate fruit is typically in season in the [[Northern Hemisphere]] from September to February, and in the [[Southern Hemisphere]] from March to May. The fruit is a berry, between a lemon and a grapefruit in size, 5–12 cm in diameter with a rounded shape and thick, reddish skin. The number of seeds in a pomegranate can vary from 200 to about 1,400.


''Punica granatum'', the [[Binomial nomenclature|scientific name]] of the pomegranate, was given by [[Carolus Linnaeus]] in 1753 in ''[[Species Plantarum]]'' (Vol. 1, page 472) ''Punica'' comes from the [[Latin language|Latin]] name for the pomegranate, ''malum punicum'', meaning "apple from [[Carthage]]", and ''granatum'' from medieval Latin meaning "seeded", "with seeds".
==Cultivation==
Pomegranates are cultivated throughout the [[Middle East]] and [[Caucasus]] region, [[North Africa]], and tropical [[Africa]]. They are also grown in parts of [[Southeast Asia]], the [[Indian subcontinent]], and the [[Mediterranean Basin]].


==Description==
===Climate===
The pomegranate is a shrub or small tree that could grow up to 10 meters of height with many branches with [[Thorns, spines and prickles|spines]]. [[Leaf|Leaves]] are [[Leaf#Morphology|opposite]] long and {{Convert|2|cm|in|abbr=on}} broad. The [[flower]]s are yellow to bright red and {{Convert|3|cm|in|abbr=on }} in [[diameter]], with three to seven [[petal]]s.
Pomegranates prefer a semi-arid to subtropical climate and are tolerant of drought conditions. They require a long, hot growing season to mature and produce fruit.


Fruits are [[Berry|berries]] with a strong skin, like [[leather]], intermediate in size between a [[lemon]] and a [[grapefruit]], {{convert|5|–|12|cm|abbr=on}} in diameter.
===Soil===
''P. granatum'' [[variety (botany)|var.]] ''nana'' is a dwarf variety of ''P. granatum'' popularly planted as an [[ornamental plant]] in gardens and larger containers, and used as a [[bonsai]] specimen tree.
The plant thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils.


==Where it grows==
==Nutritional Value==
The pomegranate originated in the region of modern-day [[Iran]], and has been cultivated since ancient times throughout the [[Mediterranean]] region and northern [[India]]. It was brought into [[America]] in the late 16th century, including [[California]], by [[New Spain|Spanish]] settlers.
Pomegranates are rich in [[vitamin C]], [[vitamin K]], and [[dietary fiber]]. They also contain [[polyphenols]], which are potent [[antioxidants]].


Today, it is widely cultivated throughout the [[Middle East]] and [[Caucasus]] region, [[north Africa|north]] and [[tropics|tropical]] [[Africa]], the [[Indian subcontinent]], [[Central Asia]], the drier parts of [[southeast Asia]], and parts of the [[Mediterranean Basin]]. It is also cultivated in parts of [[Arizona]] and California.
===Health Benefits===
Pomegranates have been studied for their potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects, improved heart health, and potential anti-cancer properties. The [[antioxidants]] in pomegranates, such as [[punicalagins]] and [[anthocyanins]], are thought to contribute to these effects.


== Interesting facts about {{PAGENAME}} ==
==Medical Uses==
*Are you aware that pomegranates contain hundreds of seeds?
Pomegranate extracts have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Modern research is investigating their potential in treating conditions such as [[atherosclerosis]], [[hypertension]], and [[prostate cancer]].
*Are you aware that the name pomegranate is derived from the Latin words meaning “apple of numerous seeds”?
 
*Are you aware that pomegranates are also called “Chinese Apples”?
===Cardiovascular Health===
*Are you aware that in ancient times the juice of the pomegranate was used as a dye and also as a medicine?
Studies suggest that pomegranate juice may help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of [[heart disease]].
*Are you aware that years ago nomads took pomegranates with them into the desert because they were a thirst quencher and they lasted for months without drying out?
 
*Are you aware that pomegranates grow on small trees 12-16 feet tall?
===Cancer Research===
*Are you aware that pomegranates are available from September thru December?
Preliminary studies indicate that pomegranate extracts may inhibit the growth of cancer cells, particularly in [[prostate cancer]].
*Are you aware that pomegranates are the size of a large orange?
 
*Are you aware that pomegranates have a leathery, thick, smooth, reddish-pink skin?
==Cultural Significance==
*Are you aware that the inside of a pomegranate consists of clusters of seeds encased in bright cranberry-red pulp that are surrounded by bitter, white membranes ?
The pomegranate has been a symbol of fertility, abundance, and marriage in various cultures. It is mentioned in ancient texts, including the [[Bible]] and the [[Quran]].
*Are you aware that the red pulp has a sweet and tart taste?
 
*Are you aware that you can eat the red pulp and the seeds of the pomegranate? (Some people eat the seed and pulp while others eat just the pulp and spit out the seed.)
==References==
*Are you aware that the pomegranate seeds are crunchy?
* [[National Center for Biotechnology Information]]
*Are you aware that pomegranates are very, very juicy?
* [[Food and Agriculture Organization]]
*Are you aware that pomegranate juice can stain your clothes?
* [[World Health Organization]]
*Are you aware that pomegranate seeds make a beautiful garnish for fruit salads?
 
*Are you aware that grenadine is made from pomegranate juice? (Grenadine is used as a sauce for cooked fruit and is added to beverages.)
==External Links==
*Are you aware that pomegranate juice is a healthy beverage? (Be careful not to drink too much as it is very high in sugar and calories!)
* [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4007340/ Pomegranate: A Review of Its Health Benefits]
*Are you aware that pomegranate juice is high in antioxidants which are believed to help prevent heart problems?
* [https://www.fao.org/pomegranate/en/ FAO Pomegranate Information]
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
{{Fruit}}
File:Pommegranate tree01.JPG|Plant of pomegranate with fruits
{{Medicinal plants}}
File:Цветущий гранат.jpg|Flowers of pomegranate
File:Pomegranate seeds.jpg|Seeds of pomegranate
File:Pomseeds2.jpg|Seeds of pomegranate
File:Punica granatum bonsai 1.jpg|[[Bonsai]] of pomegranate
</gallery>
==Other websites==
* [http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/63531/0 IUCN Red List - ''Punica granatum'']
* [http://floridata.com/Plants/Punicaceae/Punica%20granatum/778 Floridata Plant Encyclopedia]
{{usdastb}}
{{fruits}}
{{Herbs & spices}}
{{adapted}}
[[Category:Fruits]]
[[Category:Fruits]]
[[Category:Myrtales]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Plants of Asia]]
[[Category:Lythraceae]]
[[Category:Plants described in 1753]]

Revision as of 02:12, 2 January 2025





The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub in the family Lythraceae, subfamily Punicaceae, that grows between 5 and 10 m (16 and 33 ft) tall. The pomegranate was originally described throughout the Mediterranean region.

Botanical Description

The pomegranate is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. It has multiple spiny branches and is extremely long-lived, with some specimens in France surviving for 200 years. The leaves are opposite or subopposite, glossy, narrow oblong, entire, 3–7 cm long and 2 cm broad. The flowers are bright red and 3 cm in diameter, with four to five petals.

Fruit

The pomegranate fruit is typically in season in the Northern Hemisphere from September to February, and in the Southern Hemisphere from March to May. The fruit is a berry, between a lemon and a grapefruit in size, 5–12 cm in diameter with a rounded shape and thick, reddish skin. The number of seeds in a pomegranate can vary from 200 to about 1,400.

Cultivation

Pomegranates are cultivated throughout the Middle East and Caucasus region, North Africa, and tropical Africa. They are also grown in parts of Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Mediterranean Basin.

Climate

Pomegranates prefer a semi-arid to subtropical climate and are tolerant of drought conditions. They require a long, hot growing season to mature and produce fruit.

Soil

The plant thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils.

Nutritional Value

Pomegranates are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber. They also contain polyphenols, which are potent antioxidants.

Health Benefits

Pomegranates have been studied for their potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects, improved heart health, and potential anti-cancer properties. The antioxidants in pomegranates, such as punicalagins and anthocyanins, are thought to contribute to these effects.

Medical Uses

Pomegranate extracts have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Modern research is investigating their potential in treating conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and prostate cancer.

Cardiovascular Health

Studies suggest that pomegranate juice may help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.

Cancer Research

Preliminary studies indicate that pomegranate extracts may inhibit the growth of cancer cells, particularly in prostate cancer.

Cultural Significance

The pomegranate has been a symbol of fertility, abundance, and marriage in various cultures. It is mentioned in ancient texts, including the Bible and the Quran.

References

External Links


Types

  1. Apple Guava (Psidium guajava) - Apple guava is the most commonly cultivated variety of guava. It is also known as tropical guava and is native to Central and South America. The fruit has a round or oval shape and a greenish-yellow skin that turns yellow when ripe. The flesh is creamy white or pinkish, and it is sweet and fragrant. Apple guava is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
  2. Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana) - Pineapple guava is also known as feijoa, and it is native to South America. The fruit has a greenish-gray skin that is rough to the touch, and the flesh is creamy white with a sweet and tangy flavor. Pineapple guava is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
  3. Strawberry Guava (Psidium cattleianum) - Strawberry guava is native to South America and is also known as Cattley guava. The fruit has a small size, and its skin is thin, smooth, and red or yellow. The flesh is white, pink, or red and has a sweet and tangy flavor. Strawberry guava is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
  4. Lemon Guava (Psidium guineense) - Lemon guava is native to Brazil and has a round shape with a yellowish-green skin. The flesh is yellow and has a tangy flavor similar to lemon. Lemon guava is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Cultivation of Pomegranate

Guava is a tropical fruit that is easy to grow and requires little maintenance. The best time to plant guava is in the spring, and it grows best in well-drained soil with a pH between 4.5 and 7.0. Guava trees can grow up to 30 feet tall, but they can be pruned to a smaller size.

Guava trees need full sun and regular watering, especially during the dry season. Fertilization is also necessary, and it is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer every three months. Guava fruit takes around four to six months to ripen, and it is best to harvest it when it is fully matured.

Pictures of Pomegranate

Nutrition information of Pomegranate


Berries

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External links

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USDA nutritional info on Pomegranate



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