The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit-bearing deciduousshrub in the family Lythraceae, subfamily Punicoideae, that grows between 5 and 10 m (16 and 33 ft) tall. The pomegranate was originally found only throughout the Mediterranean region. It was introduced into Spanish America in the late 16th century and into California by Spanish settlers in 1769. This photograph shows a number of arils from a pomegranate.Photograph credit Ivar Leidus