Pomegranate Plant Description

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous fruit-bearing shrub or small tree belonging to the family Lythraceae. It is one of the oldest cultivated fruit plants, valued for its edible arils and ornamental appeal.

Habit & Size

Typically grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree.

Height: 2–5 meters (6–16 ft), though some cultivated trees can reach up to 7 meters (23 ft).

Has a naturally rounded, dense, and bushy canopy.

Stem & Bark

Young stems: angular and sometimes spiny.

Mature bark: reddish-brown to gray, becoming rough and fissured with age.

Leaves

Simple, opposite or sometimes clustered.

Glossy, leathery, and narrow: usually 2–8 cm long.

Color: bright green that may turn yellow before leaf drop in autumn.

Flowers

Large, showy, and usually bright red, though cultivars may produce orange, pink, or white blooms.

About 3–5 cm across.

Petals are waxy and crinkled.

Flowering starts in late spring to early summer.

Flowers can be:

Bisexual (fruit-bearing), or

Male/sterile (non–fruit-bearing).

Fruit

Botanically a berry called a balausta.

Spherical, 5–12 cm in diameter with a thick, leathery rind that may be red, yellow-red, or deep burgundy.

Inside: divided into chambers (locules) filled with numerous edible arils—juicy sacs surrounding hard seeds.

Arils vary in color from white to deep ruby red, depending on variety.

Root System

Strong, adaptable root system.

Generally shallow but wide-spreading, allowing drought tolerance.

Growing Conditions

Thrives in warm temperate to tropical climates.

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Extremely drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular water during fruiting.

Uses

Cultivated for fresh fruit, juice, and culinary uses.

Widely grown as an ornamental for its flowers and attractive fruits.

Known for high antioxidant content and traditional medicinal uses.