Pomegranate | |
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Fruit of pomegranate with juicy seeds | |
Scientific classification | |
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Species: | P. granatum
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Binomial name | |
Punica granatum | |
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The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree that grows between 5 and 10 m (16 and 33 ft) tall. The pomegranate originated in the region extending from Anatolia to northern India or South Asia.
Although previously placed in its own family Punicaceae, recent phylogenetic studies have shown that Punica belongs in the family Lythraceae, and it is classified in that family by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group.
Today, it's widely cultivated throughout the Mediterranean countries. It is the most recognizable symbols of Armenia. In Armenian mythology it symbolizes fertility and good fortune. It was a guardian against the evil eye.[2]