The Study Of Cultivation History Of Chinese Ancient Pomegranate

Pomegranates are one of the earliest fruit trees cultivated by humans in the world. Pomegranate trees were first raised in Iran, Afghanistan and some other areas in Mid Asian, and introduced into China during the Han Dynasty. The route for the introduction of pomegranates was from Mid Asia to Sinkiang at the initial stage; later on during the Han Dynasty, the transmission was along the Silk Road to Chang’an (present day Xi’an) and was further dispersed to Provinces like He Nan, Shan Dong and regions along the Yangtze River; Pomegranate trees were all over China during Ming and Qing Dynasties. After the introduction of pomegranates, some large-scale raising areas were emerging with the passing of time, such as Ling Tong in Shan Xi, Xing Yang in He Nan, Zao Zhuang in Shan Dong, and Huai Yuan in An Hui. These areas remain to be the major regions to raise pomegranates until today.Through long-time continuous fostering and breeding selection, in ancient times, there appeared various kinds of pomegranates in different local areas, among them boasting a few high-quality fruits, like He Yin Pomegranate, Crystal Pomegranate, Qian Ye Pomegranate and Si Ji Pomegranate. They were either large delicious fruits meant to satisfy one’s stomach or unique and beautiful in flowers suitable for viewing and admiration. Some of them are still raised in China today and can be regarded as precious cultural heritage. According to classic recording, our ancestors classified and named pomegranates mainly after the peculiarities of their flowers and fruits, such as the shape and colour of flowers, taste and colour of fruits.Even in ancient times, our ancestors had quite a thorough understanding of the biological traits of pomegranates. Classics in botany and relative fields usually had clear and scientific description of the fruits. As to the characteristics of breeding and multiplying, ancient Chinese recognized the relationship between flowers and fruits, taste and seed colour, flower colour and colour of the pericarp. Amazingly, they even described "dehiscent fruits" and analyzed the relevant reason behind that. Many classic books also noted that pomegranates had a liking for "warm", "dry" and "fertility". Seasons of sprouting, blooming and fruitage could also found their recordings in ancient books.There were many methods recorded for the breeding of pomegranates. In the book which is called "Important Arts for the People’s Welfare", "Cuttage" was recorded in detail for the first time. Furthermore, the methods of seedling, breeding, layering and plant division were also employed. In cultivation management, the book stressed that the linchpin lay in fertile water, especially in hot summer. Because the fruit trees were prone to root split, pruning thus became an important step. The book entitled "Agricultural Policy Book" wrote:"Pruning of pomegranate trees should be done before vernal equinox (March 21), which can help the trees to produce large fruits." "Important Arts for the People’s Welfare" and another classic by the name of "Nong Sang" recorded measures on how to protect the fruits in cold winter.Pomegranates are very valuable in admiration, nourishment, medical use and culture. The tree itself is beautiful in shape; the flowers are not only charming but also long in period of blooming. As a result, pomegranates were regarded as important trees for viewing and admiration even from Han Dynasty. During Ming and Qing dynasties, miniascapes by using short and small trees were very popular, which were fancied especially by the intellectuals. With a mixed taste of sour and sweet, the pomegranate fruits are matchlessly in good taste and rich in nutrition. They have been considered to be precious fruits since time immemorial. Besides being served as fresh fruits, pomegranates are also processed to be wine and juice for refreshment. Since the South and North Dynasty, the remedy function of pomegranates has been recognized. The flowers, skins, roots, fruits and leaves can all be used as medicines. In the long period of breeding and cultivation, a unique pomegranate culture was formed in ancient China, which embodied a rich and profound value.