| Botanical Name | Punica granatum |
| Family | Lythraceae |
| Local Name in Urdu | Anaar |
| Common Name | Pomegranate |
| Life Cycle | Evergreen |
| Cultivar Name | many varieties; ornamental variety shown here |
| Fragrant or Not | No fragrance |
| Category(Bush/Vine/Tree) | Tree |
| Height | Medium ~ to 15 feet |
| Spacing | Solitary, if grown for ornamental purposes |
| Flowering Months | Summer time |
| Flower Color | Bright red orange |
| Growing Areas | Throughout Pakistan, prefers cold areas for edible fruits but ornamental varieties also grow in warm areas |
| Frost Tender | Yes |
| Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil pH | No issues |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings |
| Uses | Ornamental, ornamental fruit is very sour |
| Other Details | The importance of this tree can be judged from the fact that pomegranate is mentioned by the God in the Quran and the Old testament. For instance the Quran mentions the pomegranate fruit as "And [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied". Pomegranate flowers are unusually bright red- hence they look very attractive on a green leafy tree. Bees love the flowers.The beauty of pomegranate's flowers buds Anaar kali have a symbolic meaning in the Mughal history. Compact varieties are now available from nurseries; such compact trees can begin to produce flowers when they are as short as 1-2 feet. The other varieties produce flowers when they are about 2-3 year old. Ornamental pomegranate is a trouble free plant but certain pests are highly destructive. You will also find butterfly pupae on this tree (shown in one of the pictures, it is left as a puzzle for interested readers). Note: Do not attempt to eat ornamental pomegranate fruit - it is extremely sour and the seeds are very hard. Photography: Farhan Ahmad |
