Punica

Tree or large shrub native to Central Asia but widespread throughout the Mediterranean, with light gray, gnarled bark and thorny, twisted branches. The deciduous leaves are bright green, turning vivid yellow in autumn, elongated and oval, about 8 cm long. It flowers from June to September with simple, axillary, cup-shaped flowers made up of 5–8 red-orange petals with a yellow throat and stamens. The fruits are pomegranates, with edible seeds. When used as a fruit tree, it requires rich and fresh soil; when used ornamentally, it also grows in dry soils and sunny exposures. It is highly drought-resistant. Also available are ornamental varieties and a dwarf fruit-bearing variety.