Pomegranate
(Punica granatum, var. nana)

Description: A small deciduous tree, trained to grow up to 20 feet. The slender, often spiny-tipped branches bear opposite, oblong or oval-lanceolate, shiny leaves 1-2 inches long. 1-5 large, red or orange-red flowers grow together on the tips of axillary shoots. The brownish-yellow to red shiny, apple-sized fruit is a thick-skinned, several-celled, many seeded berry. Each seed is
surrounded by red, acid pulp. Native to Asia and hot areas of the world. Found in South America, southern U.S. Widely cultivated, grown in greenhouses in cooler climates.

Edible, Medicinal: The sweet juice is used in drinks and a flavoring.The pulp and seeds are used
in perfumes and foods. It is a anthelmintic,and astringent. The rind is used to treat dysentery, skin problems, a gargle for throat and mouth irritations, diarrhea, and a vaginal douche.

CAUTION: Large doses of the rind can cause cramps, vomiting and other troublesome effects. Seeds and root bark combat tapeworm. The fruits, rind,and bark yield fabric dyes.