Pomegranate, Dwarf Pomegranate

Punica granatum

Physical Characteristics

Punica granatum is a deciduous Tree growing to 5 m (16ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

S.E. Europe to E. Asia - Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge; South Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Condiment Fruit - raw[1, 2, 3, 4]. Juicy and refreshing with a sub-acid flavour[183], they are considered delicious by many people though others do not like the large number of seeds with relatively little fruit pulp[K]. The fruit juice can be used in soups, sauces, jellies, ice cream, cakes etc[183]. The fruit contains about 1.5% protein, 1.6% fat, 16.8% carbohydrate, 0.6% ash[149, 179]. Annual yields from wild trees in the Himalayas averaged 32kg per tree[194]. The fruit is about 12cm in diameter[200]. The fresh seed is soft and can be eaten raw[227]. When dried it is used as a seasoning in dal, fried samosa, stuffings and chutneys[183]. The boiled leaves are said to be eaten[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antidiarrhoeal Antiviral Astringent Cardiac Demulcent Dysentery Emmenagogue Refrigerant Stomachic Vermifuge The pomegranate has a long history of herbal use dating back more than 3,000 years[238 ]. All parts of the plant contain unusual alkaloids, known as 'pelletierines', which paralyse tapeworms so that they are easily expelled from the body by using a laxative[238 ]. The plant is also rich in tannin, which makes it an effective astringent. It is used externally in the treatment of vaginal discharges, mouth sores and throat infections[238 ]. The whole plant, but in particular the bark, is antibacterial, antiviral and astringent[21 , 46 , 57 , 89 , 176 , 194 ]. This remedy should be used with caution, overdoses can be toxic[21 , 218 ]. The flowers are used in the treatment of dysentery, stomach ache and cough[218 ]. Along with the leaves and seeds, they have been used to remove worms[4 ]. The juice of the flowers is used to treat nose bleeds[311 ]. The seeds are demulcent and stomachic[4 , 240 ]. A decoction of the seed is used to treat syphilis[311 ]. The fruit is a mild astringent and refrigerant in some fevers and especially in biliousness[4 ]. It is also cardiac and stomachic[240 ]. The juice of the fruit is used to treat jaundice and diarrhoea[311 ]. Combined with the juice of Cynodon dactylon leaves, it is used for treating runny noses and colds[311 ]. The dried rind of the fruit is used in the treatment of amoebic dysentery, diarrhoea etc[4 , 238 ]. It is a specific remedy for tapeworm infestation[254 ]. The rind of the fruit is ground in water and drunk every morning by diabetics[311 ]. The stem bark is emmenagogue[218 ]. Both the stem and the root barks are used to expel tapeworms[4 ]. Use this with caution, the root bark can cause serious poisoning[7 ]. The bark is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238 ]. The dried pericarp is decocted with other herbs and used in the treatment of colic, dysentery, leucorrhoea etc[218 ]. An ethyl alcohol extract of the fruit has shown interesting oestrogenic properties. In addition, it has been shown to reduce cell death from oxidation. The plant has potential as an active ingredient in preparations for the treatment of skin-ageing in post-menopausal women[1574 ].

Known Hazards

Take recommended doses. Overdose symptoms include: gastric irritation, vomiting, dizziness, chills, vision disorders, collapse and death [301].