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Pomegranate

Binomial Name(s): Punica Granatum
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Subclass: Rosidae
Order: Myrtales
Family: Lythraceae
Genus: Punica
Species: P. granatum
Popular Name(s): Anar
Parts Used: Seeds, Flowers
Habitat: Commonly cultivated as ornamental and fruit tree in southwest zones of Asia

Description
Punica granatum, commonly known as Pomegranate, is a species of fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree, growing to 5-8 m height. The leaves are opposite or sub-opposite, glossy, narrow, oblong, entire, 3-7 cm long and 2 cm broad. The flowers are bright red, with five petals each. Native to the southwest zones of Asia, the plant species was originally cultivated in the Caucasus region in ancient times. Pomegranate was later introduced in parts of Latin America and California by the early Spanish settlers, during the year 1769. There, the plant species was mainly used for the purpose of juice production. Today, pomegranate is widely cultivated in North India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan and parts of the Middle East. The cultivation of the fruit usually takes place during the months of September to February in the Northern Hemisphere, while in the Southern Hemisphere; it is from March to May.

Plant Chemicals
Pomegranate is a rich source of potassium and antioxidant polyphenols. These polyphenols mainly include hydrolysable tannins called punicalagins. Polyphenols catechins, gallocatechins, and anthocyanins such as prodelphinidins, delphinidin, cyanidin, and pelargonidin are other phytochemicals present in the plant species.

Uses & Benefits of Pomegranate
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