What is "punica granatum"

Pomegranate \Pome"gran`ate\ (?; 277), n. [OE. pomgarnet, OF. pome de grenate, F. grenade, L. pomum a fruit + granatus grained, having many grains or seeds. See Pome, and Garnet, Grain.]

1. (Bot.) The fruit of the tree Punica Granatum; also, the tree itself (see Balaustine), which is native in the Orient, but is successfully cultivated in many warm countries, and as a house plant in colder climates. The fruit is as large as an orange, and has a hard rind containing many rather large seeds, each one separately covered with crimson, acid pulp.

2. A carved or embroidered ornament resembling a pomegranate.
   --Ex. xxviii. 3

Balaustine \Ba*laus"tine\, n. [L. balaustium, Gr. balay`stion.] (Bot.) The pomegranate tree ( Punica granatum). The bark of the root, the rind of the fruit, and the flowers are used medicinally. [1913 Webster] ||