CHAP. 61.—THE WILD POMEGRANATE.
There is a tree, also, which is called the wild pomegranate,[1]
on account of its strong resemblance to the cultivated pomegranate. The roots of it have a red bark, which taken in
wine in doses of one denarius, promotes sleep. The seed of
it taken in drink is curative of dropsy. Gnats are kept at a
distance by the smoke of burnt pomegranate rind.
1. Fée thinks that there is no doubt that this was really the pomegranate,
left to grow wild. Dalechamps and Fée suggest that, misled by the
resemblance of the Greek names, Pliny has here attributed to the wild
pomegranate the properties attributed to the red poppy, or corn poppy.
Hardouin, however, is not of that opinion, and thinks that the mention of
the roots of the plant proves that Pliny has not committed any error here;
as in B. xx. c. 77, he has attributed the narcotic effects of the poppy to
the head only.