PomegranatePunica granatum

Pomegranate is a shrub or small tree that produces distinctive, round fruit that have a wide variety of uses. It is native to Iran but since antiquity it has been widely cultivated all over Asia and the Mediterranean area. It is now grown all over the world.

It grows to a height of 5–8 metres (16–26 feet) and has a dark grey bark.

The flowers are bright red and trumpet shaped, about 3 cm (1 inch) in diameter, with between three and seven petals.

The leaves are glossy and oblong, about 3–7 cm (1–3 inches) long and 2 cm (1 inch) broad.

The fruit is round and reddish, and is filled with a juicy pulp and a lot of seeds. It is edible, and widely used in cuisines all over the world.

Pomegranate is a plant with a very rich cultural history – you could write an entire book about its cultural significance since ancient times. The dwarf variety (P. Granatum Nana) makes a good house plant and an excellent bonsai specimen.

If you want to grow the full size plant outdoors, it can tolerate temperatures down to -12 °C (10 °F). However, if you want the plant to fruit it must be kept at tropical temperatures, so in Britain you will need a hothouse.