PUNICA GRANATUM
THE POMEGRANATE CLASSIFICATION1
DOMAIN: EUKARYA
Organisms within this domain are eukaryotic; they each have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. The DNA is contained within the nucleus.
KINGDOM: PLANTAE
Nearly all members of this kingdom are autotrophic and carry out photosynthesis to acquire nutrients. Species within this kingdom exhibit an alternation of generations, meaning their life cycles consist of both multi-cellular haploid and multi-cellular diploid stages.
PHYLUM: MAGNOLIOPHYTA
This phylum (also known as Phylum Anthophyta) consists of flowering plants, called angiosperms. Pollination in these members occurs via wind, water, or animals. The seed is found within a protective covering called fruit.
The diagram below displays the taxonomic breakdown of the pomegranate from the origin of life to the plant group based on morphological characteristics.
TAXONOMIC BREAKDOWN
CLASS: MAGNOLIOPSIDA
Members of this class are commonly referred to as dicotyledons. They have distinct characteristics that set them apart from the monocotyledons, which make up the rest of the Phylum Magnoliophyta. The chart below compares characteristics of monocotyledons and dicotyledons.
ORDER: MYRTALES
The shoots of these plants have phloem within the xylem as well as more than one layer of phloem surrounding the xylem. Phloem and xylem consists of complex tissues in the vascular system of higher plants, and account for woody elements within the fibers (see Glossary).
FAMILY: PUNICACEAE
Members of this family possess simple spiral leaves. They have floral organs that are made up of five to eight petals as well as five to eight sepals. Fruit emerges from the calyx and holds many seeds.
GENUS: PUNICA L.
This is the lone genus within Family Punicaceae. It contains two species” Punica granatum and Punica protopunica.
This diagram displays the taxonomic breakdown of the pomegranate from plant group to species based on morphological characteristics. Punica granatum is a member of the Family Punicaceae, which belows in the Order Myrtales. Another family within this Order, Family Myraceae, contains Eucalyptus dives. This organism is more commonly known as broad-leaf peppermint gum.
SPECIES: PUNICA GRANATUM
Punica granatumliterally translates into “seeded apple”. Commonly known as the pomegranate, this species is a deciduous tree with thorny branches, thick elongated leaves, and hardy fruit that contains many seeds.
This figure is a molecular phylogeny which outlines the evolutionary relationship of Punica granatum with other organisms based on molecular analysis.
1International Journal of Plant Sciences, November 2005. Available at http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/2011/kruse_sara/classification.htm
PUNICA GRANATUM
THE POMEGRANATE CLASSIFICATION1
DOMAIN: EUKARYA
Organisms within this domain are eukaryotic; they each have a true nucleus and membrane-
bound organelles. The DNA is contained within the nucleus.
KINGDOM: PLANTAE
Nearly all members of this kingdom are autotrophic and carry out photosynthesis to
acquire nutrients. Species within this kingdom exhibit an alternation of generations,
meaning their life cycles consist of both multi-cellular haploid and multi-cellular diploid
stages.
PHYLUM: MAGNOLIOPHYTA
This phylum (also known as Phylum Anthophyta) consists of flowering plants, called
angiosperms. Pollination in these members occurs via wind, water, or animals. The seed is
found within a protective covering called fruit.
The diagram below displays the taxonomic breakdown of the pomegranate from the origin
of life to the plant group based on morphological characteristics.
TAXONOMIC BREAKDOWN
CLASS: MAGNOLIOPSIDA
Members of this class are commonly referred to as dicotyledons. They have distinct
characteristics that set them apart from the monocotyledons, which make up the rest of
the Phylum Magnoliophyta. The chart below compares characteristics of monocotyledons
and dicotyledons.
ORDER: MYRTALES
The shoots of these plants have phloem within the xylem as well as more than one layer
of phloem surrounding the xylem. Phloem and xylem consists of complex tissues in the
vascular system of higher plants, and account for woody elements within the fibers (see
Glossary).
FAMILY: PUNICACEAE
Members of this family possess simple spiral leaves. They have floral organs that are
made up of five to eight petals as well as five to eight sepals. Fruit emerges from the
calyx and holds many seeds.
GENUS: PUNICA L.
This is the lone genus within Family Punicaceae. It contains two species” Punica granatum
and Punica protopunica.
This diagram displays the taxonomic breakdown of the pomegranate from plant group
to species based on morphological characteristics. Punica granatum is a member of the
Family Punicaceae, which belows in the Order Myrtales. Another family within this Order,
Family Myraceae, contains Eucalyptus dives. This organism is more commonly known as
broad-leaf peppermint gum.
SPECIES: PUNICA GRANATUM
Punica granatum literally translates into “seeded apple”. Commonly known as the
pomegranate, this species is a deciduous tree with thorny branches, thick elongated
leaves, and hardy fruit that contains many seeds.
This figure is a molecular phylogeny which outlines the evolutionary relationship of Punica
granatum with other organisms based on molecular analysis.
1International Journal of Plant Sciences, November 2005. Available at http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/
bio203/2011/kruse_sara/classification.htm