Punica granatum L.

Spice Flower Flower 2 In the University

Family: PUNICACEAE

Genus: Punica

Catalan common name: Magraner.

Spanish common name: Granado.

General distribution (Phytogeography): East Mediterranean

Uses and properties: Aphrodisiac. Edible or foodstuffs. Medicinal. Symbolic uses. Textile industry.

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Phanerophyte.

Habitats: Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones. Cultivated species. Garden plants. Pine wood and shrubland with rosemary and thyme garigue. Cultivated specie and subespontaneous.

Description: A spiny deciduous shrub or tree that can reach up to 6 m in height, with a dark grey bark. Leaves are simple, opposite, although some are alternate or fasciculate, between 3-8 cm in length, and 0.8 to 2.5 cm in width, oblong-lanceolate. The lamina is leathery and a brilliant green. Flowers are reddish yellow, very showy and surrounded by a calyx, red and fleshy, cupped shaped with 5-7 lobes that persist with the fruit. Edible fruit with many seeds and a tasty pulp.

Observations: Cultivated as an ornamental plant throughout Spain.