Pomegranate, rumman

The common name of this medium-sized shrub is Pomegranate, or rumman in Arabic. It has its origins in southwest and central Asia. It can be found throughout the Mediterranean, and is frequent in the farms and gardens of Arriyadh. The Pomegranate prefers a Mediterranean to sub-tropical climate. The slow-growing tree reaches a height between 2 and 7 metres. The crown is mostly dense and round in shape. The foliage is green and the shoots pastel-red. The leaves are arranged oppositely, and their form is entire and lanceolate. The flowers and fruits are often found together on one plant. Flowering begins in spring. The bloom is a calyx in deep-orange to bright-red. The ripe fruit is bright red. It is apple-shaped and round. The fruit contains granate, red, pearl-like juicy pits which are edible and very healthy. Maintenance requirements are moderate, because the shrub is slow growing; pruning is not often required. Punica granatum has no major soil requirements. Irrigation should be medium and the salinity content not higher than medium. The air-humidity should be sufficient. The plant otherwise loves a sunny location and it is heat-resistant. Propagation is by sowing and pricking. Pomegranates are highly attractive as specimens and as grouped plants, together with plenty of potential for linear planting and hedges. This bee-attracting plant is useful for screens, in public open spaces, as park planting, in pedestrian precincts and in private parks. The possible fruit drop should be taken into account when grown next to pathways.