The pomegranate plant is a large shrub or small tree that has smooth, evergreen leaves and showy orange to red flowers. It has rounded fruit with a dry outer covering (husk) made up of two layers: (1) a hard-outer layer called an epicarp, (2) a soft inner layer called a mesocarp.Pomegranates can have up to three times more antioxidants than green tea or red wine. Antioxidants protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation and the effects of aging. Studies have suggested that pomegranates can protect your heart in many ways, including lowering blood pressure and reducing blood sugar levels.