Punica L.

M. Thulin et al. Flora of Somalia, Vol. 1-4 [updated 2008] https://plants.jstor.org/collection/FLOS

Morphology General Habit

Herbs (often in or near water), shrubs and trees

Morphology Leaves

Leaves usually opposite, simple, entire; stipules minute or absent

Morphology Reproductive morphology Inflorescences

Inflorescences usually cymose, sometimes congested into raceme-like thyrses

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers

Flowers bisexual, usually regular, (3–)4–6(–16)-merous, sometimes heterostylous with individuals differing in the relative lengths of stamens and style

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Calyx

Sepals and petals inserted on a tubular or campanulate “hypanthium” (the “calyx” or “perianth-tube” of some authors); sepals triangular, often with the sinuses between them produced into appendage-like horns

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Corolla

Petals, when present, delicate, often with claw, crumpled in bud, red, pink to purple or white, soon falling

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Androecium Stamens

Stamens usually up to twice as many as sepals, more in some woody genera, inserted on hypanthium, bending inwards; disc absent or very small

Morphology Reproductive morphology Flowers Gynoecium Ovary

Ovary usually superior, (1–)2–6(–8)-celled; placentation axile, rarely basal; ovules 2–many; style simple

Morphology Reproductive morphology Fruits

Fruit usually a capsule, often included within hypanthium

Morphology Reproductive morphology Seeds

Seeds usually small and numerous.

Distribution

Genus of two species, the second endemic on Socotra (P. protopunica Balf. f.).