tPhenological analysis provides a useful tool in the study of fruit trees in various aspects, and is mostlybased only on morphological characters. In this two years study, morpho-anatomical analyses of vege-tative organs were conducted using light and scanning electron microscopy during pomegranate annualcycle. Punica granatum L. cv. Rabbab-e-Neyriz was investigated at six ontogenetic stages. Two types ofecodormant scaly buds developed either only into vegetative shoots or went through vegetative and/orreproductive phase, with a predictable fate in winter. Bud dimorphism resulted in the appearance of fourbranch types in spring. Pomegranate is heterophyllous, with two types of leaves, already distinguish-able in dormant buds on the basis of shape and especially the apex. Both leaf types revealed the sameanatomical features, but differed in their developmental aspect leading to obcordate and lanceolate finalshape. An accelerated rhythm of leaf growth was noticed and histodifferentiation initiated within thedormant buds. The functional significance and eventual consequences of heterophylly in pomegranate