The pomegranate is originally from Asia and has been cultivated in the Mediterranean region for thousands of years. It grows as a shrub or small tree and is sensitive to frost. The pomegranate flowers red and forms fruits that contain many ruby red seeds.
It represents fertility and life, beauty and love.
The juice of the pomegranate is very refreshing. A spiced wine has also been made from it. The seeds were used in medicine to relieve heart ailments. Its bark and seed shells were used as a dye for wool and fabrics.
In art and architecture, pomegranates were a popular decorative motif.