Ficus carica (Genuine Fig)

The genuine fig (Ficus carica) is one to 33 feet tall tree from the genus of figs (Ficus) and from the family Moraceae, which is grown not only in the Mediterrean area of Southern Europe because of its delicious fruits. It is green in summer and deciduous. The crown of old trees is very wide and overhanging, but erratic and low. The trunk is often gnarled, twisted or bent. The branching already begins in the small height. The brk is smooth, light grey. The total plant gives latex.

The leaves are around of 8 to 12 inches long and nearly so wide and stand alternated at the branches. They are firm, leathery-stiff. They are handshaped parted into 3 to 5 lobes. The upside is darkgreen and wire-haired, the underside is lighter and clearly haired only on the leaf ribs. The petiole is 2 to 3.2 inches long.

The origin of Ficus carica lies in Western Asia, the fig tree is widespreaded of all in the Mediterrean area as agricultural plant.

We have one specimen in our yard.

Ficus carica in our yard in September 2008.

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Created by Joachim Jaeck on December 1st, 2009