Pomegranate-Tree, or Punica, L. an exotic, growing-in chalky soils, and consisting of two species : l. The granatum, or Common

Pomegranate-tree, which is a native of Italy, and other southern parts

E of Europe, where it grows to the height of 18 or 20 feet. In Britain, it is cultivated only in the gardens of the curious ; as its fruit seldom attains the delicacy of that imported from warmer climates.—Among other experiments made with different parts of this tree, in dyeing, we shall relate only one mentioned by Bohmer. From the deciduous leaves in autumn, when they present a brownish-red shade, he obtained, by boiling them, a thick, muddy liquor, in which cotton, silk, and woollen cloths, acquired a good French-blue colour: these materials had been previously immersed in a solution of green vitriol; and, after becoming dry, they were, by different trials, plunged in vinegar, and soap-water, neither of which in the least affected their tint, so that it was doubtful whether they were dark-blue, or black. —In Germany, the tanners formerly employed the bark of this tree as a substitute for sumach.—See also Morocco-Leather.

2. The nana, or Dwarf American Pomegranate, has a short stem rising only lour or five feet high, bearing narrow leaves, and minute red blossoms, which are succeeded by small fruit—It flowers from June till October.

Both these species may be propagated by layers, that should be selected from young branches, and planted in autumn. They may be trained either as half or full standards, or as dwarfs; but, if the pomegranates are to be raised against walls, it will be advisable to pursue a treatment similar to that directed under the article Peach-tree.

The fruit of this shrub is agreeable to the palate; and, in common with other sweet summer fruits, allays heat, mitigates thirst, and is mildly aperient. Its rind is powerfully astringent; on which account it is, together with the bitterish red flowers, occasionally employed in diarrhoeas, dysenteries, and other disorders proceeding from debility.