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| Punica protopunica | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Lythraceae |
| Genus: | Punica |
| Species: | P. protopunica
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| Binomial name | |
| Punica protopunica | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Socotria protopunica (Balf.f.) G.M.Levin | |
Punica protopunica, commonly known as the pomegranate tree or Socotran pomegranate, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lythraceae.[3] It is endemic to the island of Socotra (Yemen). Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests.[1]
The tree, often thorny, attains a height of 2.5 to 4.5 meters. It has reddish-brown bark when young, fading to grey as it ages and becomes less fruitful. Leaves are dark green, glossy and opposite, growing up to 3 cm long. Fruit globose, 2–3 cm in diameter. Flowers and fruits from December and January through to the summer.
P. protopunica is considered to be the precursor to the pomegranate (P. granatum) and is the only other species in the genus Punica. It differs from the pomegranate in having pink (not red), trumpet-shaped flowers and smaller, less sweet fruit. The fruit when ripe are yellow-green or brownish red in color.
- ^ a b Miller, A. (2004). "Punica protopunica". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2004: e.T30404A9544416. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T30404A9544416.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
- ^ "Punica protopunica Balf.f." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
- ^ "Punica protopunica Balf. f." World Flora Online. Retrieved July 31, 2020.