the POMEGRANATE TREE; a genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the icosandra class of plants.

Species. 1. The granatum, or common pomegranate, rises with a tree stem branching numerously all the way from the bottom, growing 18 or 20 feet high; with spear-shaped, narrow opposite leaves; and the branches terminated by most beautiful large red flowers, succeeded by large roundish fruit, as big as an orange, having a hard rind filled with soft pulp and numerous seeds. There is a variety with double flowers, remarkably beautiful; and one with striped flowers. 2. The nana, or dwarf American pomegranate, rises with a shrubby stem branching four or five feet high, with narrow short leaves and small red flowers, succeeded by small fruit; begins flowering in June, and continues till October.

Culture. Both these species are propagated by layers: the young branches are to be chosen for this purpose, and autumn is the proper time for laying them. Those of the common sort may be trained either as half or full standards or as dwarfs. But those designed for walls must be managed, as directed for peaches.

Uses. The dried flowers of the double-flowered pomegranate are possessed of an astringent quality; for which reason they are recommended in diarrhoeas, dysenteries, &c., where astringent medicines are proper. The rind of the fruit is also a strong astringent, and as such is occasionally made use of.