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growing - Pomegranates
Punica granatum is one of the all
time great plants of
horticulture. It is native to the
Eastern Mediterranean, North
Africa, Afghanistan and Iran,
where it has been grown since
ancient times.
BENEFITS - In late spring to summer single
WHY - Pomegranates are very hardy scarlet/orange flowers with crepe-like petals
and can be grown anywhere in appear. Pomegranates are one of the
Botswana. They are frost and healthiest foods on the planet, packed with
drought tolerant. The delicious fruit nutrients and powerful plant compounds.
develops from late summer to early They have wide-ranging benefits and may
winter. The shrub is beautiful with help reduce your risk of various serious
bright, glossy green leaves. illnesses, including heart disease, cancer,
arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
HOW TO PLANT - Prepare the What’s more, they may boost your memory
plant hole, as for any large shrub and exercise performance.
or tree, plant in full sun, and water PROPAGATE - Pomegranates can be easily
in well. Once established this plant grown from seed, or cuttings.
needs very little maintenance, and WHERE - Punica granatum plants can be
is tolerant of poor soil conditions. bought from many nurseries around the
They sometimes suffer from mealy- country, and at Mokolodi Indigenous
bugs, but otherwise are disease free. nurseries in Mokolodi. by Karin Duthie
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