The magick of the Pomegranate
The pomegranate is native to the region of Persia and the western Himalayan range, and has been cultivated in Iran , Azerbaijan , Afghanistan , Pakistan , Northern India , Russia , and the Mediterranean region for several millennia. Carbonized exocarp of the fruit has been identified in Early Bronze Age levels of Jericho in Israel , as well as Late Bronze Age levels of Hala Sultan Tekke on Cyprus and Tiryns . A large, dry pomegranate was found in the tomb of Djehuty , the butler of Queen Hatshepsut in Egypt ; Mesopotamian cuneiform records mention pomegranates from the mid-Third millennium BC onwards. It is also extensively grown in South China and in Southeast Asia , whether originally spread along the route of the Silk Road or brought by sea traders. Kandahar is famous in Afghanistan for its high quality pomegranates. Although not native to Korea or Japan , the pomegranate is widely grown there and many cultivars have been developed. It is widely used for bonsai beca...