Dalim or Pomegranate, Punica granatum

Dalim or Pomegranate, Punica granatum

 Dalim or Pomegranate (Punica granatum, family: Lythraceae) is a deciduous fruit-bearing shrub or small tree growing 6 to 10 m high. The plant is native to Iran. In modern times, it is extensively grown in Southeast Asia and South China.  

The flowers of punica granatum are bright orange-red, 3 cm in diameter, borne on terminal branches. Petals 3-7. It produces flowers all the year round.

The fruit is very popular throughout the world. The berry has thick, reddish skin; 5-12 cm in diameter. Seeds are surrounded by numerous white, deep red or purplish juicy coat.

Leaves are opposite, green, glabrous, elliptical, entire, 6-10 cm long and 2-3 cm wide.

Juice from pomegranate is very popular drink in Europe and the Middle East. According to ancient Greek mythology, the pomegranate is known as the 'fruit of the dead'. Propagation of the plant is caused by seeds.

Fruit, fruit skin, root, flower and leaf are used to prepare medicine for dysentery, tastelessness, weakness and flow of blood during menstruation. Punica granatumis is so popular that it has more than 500 named cultivars. It is grown as a homestead plant in Bangladesh.