Punica granatum commonly called Pomegranate originated in Iran (formerly called Persia). It is one of the oldest fruits and is mentioned in the Bible. It is referred to as the ‘fruit of love’ by some scholars.
Pomegranate spread throughout the Middle East, the Mediterranean and south Asia. It was later introduced by the Spanish settlers in 1769 into Latin America and the Caribbean, where it is now widely cultivated, also in the drier climate of California and Arizona.
Pomegranate is a small tree, if left unpruned it can grow to approximately 15 feet in height. Usually, when it is pruned it can be