Fig trees belong to the genus Ficus, which includes over 800 species, but Ficus carica is the species most commonly associated with the fig fruit a species of small tree in the flowering plant family Moraceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region, together with western and southern Asia. It has been cultivated since ancient times and is now widely grown throughout the world.
Fig trees can grow as shrubs or small trees, reaching heights of 10-30 feet. They have a spreading habit with large, rough leaves. The leaves are large, lobed, and rough to the touch, varying in shape from deeply lobed to nearly entire.
The fruit of the fig tree is unique; it’s not a true fruit but an infructescence, where the flowers and seeds grow together to form what appears as a single fruit. Figs vary in color from green to purple to black when ripe, with some varieties having a white or yellow interior. Figs ripen from the inside out, which is why they often split when fully ripe.
Figs thrive in Mediterranean climates but can be grown in various regions with proper care. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. While many fig varieties are hardy to USDA zones 7-10, some can tolerate colder climates with protection or in container gardening. Most cultivated figs do not require pollination to produce fruit (parthenocarpic), but some varieties (like Smyrna figs) need pollination by the fig wasp for fruit development.
Figs are rich in fiber, vitamins (especially K), and minerals. They are known for their antioxidant properties and are considered beneficial for digestive health.
Figs are typically propagated by cuttings, as they do not grow true to seed. This method ensures the new plant retains the characteristics of the parent. Common issues include fig mosaic virus, root-knot nematodes, and pests like the fig beetle.
Fig trees are ecologically significant, providing food for wildlife. In their native habitats, they support a complex ecosystem, particularly with their unique pollination process involving fig wasps.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Clade: Rosids
- Order: Rosales
- Family: Moraceae
- Genus: Ficus
- Species: Ficus carica (for the common fig)
List of Different Types of Fig Trees with scientific name
- Common Fig – Ficus carica
- Smyrna Fig – Ficus carica (specifically refers to varieties that require pollination)
- San Pedro Fig – Ficus carica (specifically refers to varieties that can produce two types of crops)
- Black Mission Fig – Ficus carica ‘Mission’
- Brown Turkey Fig – Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’
- White Marseilles Fig – Ficus carica ‘White Marseilles’
- Kadota Fig – Ficus carica ‘Kadota’
- Calimyrna Fig – Ficus carica ‘Calimyrna’
- Desert King Fig – Ficus carica ‘Desert King’
- Conadria Fig – Ficus carica ‘Conadria’
- Celeste Fig – Ficus carica ‘Celeste’
- Excel Fig – Ficus carica ‘Excel’
- Peter’s Honey Fig – Ficus carica ‘Peter’s Honey’
- Violette de Bordeaux – Ficus carica ‘Violette de Bordeaux’
- Ronde de Bordeaux – Ficus carica ‘Ronde de Bordeaux’
- Panache – Ficus carica ‘Panache’
- Brunswick Fig – Ficus carica ‘Brunswick’
Description
Common Fig – Ficus carica
The Common Fig, scientifically known as Ficus carica, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Ficus, known for its unique fruit which is not technically a fruit but an inverted flower. This fig variety is widely cultivated for its sweet, edible fruit and is appreciated in various culinary applications, from fresh eating to drying for figs.
Figs from Ficus carica are notable for not requiring pollination by the fig wasp, unlike some other varieties. This makes them easier to grow in regions where the specific pollinator, the fig wasp, is absent. The common fig’s fruit can develop parthenocarpically, meaning without fertilization, leading to seedless or few-seeded figs.
Smyrna Fig – Ficus carica (varieties requiring pollination)
Smyrna figs are a type of Ficus carica that requires pollination by the fig wasp to produce fruit. This variety is known for its high-quality, sweet, and rich-flavored figs which are often dried for consumption. The process involves the wasp entering the fig to lay eggs, pollinating the flowers inside the fig in the process.
The dependency on the fig wasp for pollination means Smyrna figs can only be grown where these wasps are present or where caprifigs (the male fig trees) are cultivated nearby for pollination. This makes their cultivation more challenging but also contributes to their unique flavor profile, often considered superior for drying.
San Pedro Fig – Ficus carica (varieties with two crop types)
San Pedro figs are unique because they can produce two types of crops. The first crop, known as the breba crop, develops on the previous year’s growth without pollination, similar to common figs. This crop is usually smaller and ripens in early summer. The second crop, called the main crop, requires pollination by the fig wasp for full development.
The dual cropping nature of San Pedro figs makes them interesting for both commercial and home gardeners. While the breba crop offers an early harvest, the main crop, if pollinated, can provide a larger, often sweeter yield later in the season, extending the fig harvest period.
Black Mission Fig – Ficus carica ‘Mission’
The Black Mission fig, often simply called Mission fig, is known for its dark purple to almost black skin and sweet, rich, pink to dark red flesh. This variety is highly favored for its flavor, making it a popular choice for fresh eating, drying, or in culinary dishes like jams and desserts.
Originally brought to California by Spanish missionaries, the Black Mission fig thrives in warm climates and is relatively easy to grow. Its fruit is medium to large, with a distinctive sweet taste that has made it a staple in many Mediterranean and Californian cuisines.
Brown Turkey Fig – Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’
Brown Turkey figs are recognized for their adaptability and vigor, producing fruits with brownish-purple skin and sweet, amber-colored flesh. This variety is one of the most commonly grown figs due to its hardiness and the reliability of its crops, even in less than ideal conditions.
The fruit of the Brown Turkey fig is medium-sized, often enjoyed fresh off the tree or used in cooking. Its robust nature makes it suitable for container growing, allowing fig enthusiasts in cooler climates to enjoy this fruit by overwintering the plant indoors.
White Marseilles Fig – Ficus carica ‘White Marseilles’
White Marseilles figs are celebrated for their greenish-yellow skin and sweet, light-colored flesh. This variety is particularly noted for its excellent flavor when dried, although it’s also delicious when eaten fresh. Its fruits are medium-sized and have a relatively low seed count.
This fig variety is well-suited for regions with hot summers, where it can produce abundant crops. Its resistance to splitting makes it a good choice for areas with variable weather, ensuring a reliable harvest even after rain.
Kadota Fig – Ficus carica ‘Kadota’
Kadota figs are known for their light green to yellowish skin and sweet, pale amber flesh. This variety is often used in canning and preserving due to its ability to retain its shape and color when processed. Kadota figs are also appreciated for their delicate flavor, making them a favorite in gourmet dishes.
Commercially, Kadota figs are significant because they can be grown in regions with cooler summers, unlike some other varieties. Their resistance to cracking and their unique flavor profile make them a valuable cultivar for both fresh markets and industrial uses.
Calimyrna Fig – Ficus carica ‘Calimyrna’
Calimyrna figs, also known as Sari Lop, are a type of Smyrna fig prized for their large size, golden skin, and nutty flavor when dried. They require pollination by the fig wasp to produce viable fruit, which contributes to their distinctive taste and texture, especially when dried as Smyrna figs.
In cultivation, Calimyrna figs need specific conditions, including the presence of caprifigs for pollination. Their fruit is often larger than other fig varieties, making them a premium choice for drying, where their flavor intensifies, becoming sweet and rich.
Desert King Fig – Ficus carica ‘Desert King’
Desert King figs are known for their large, sweet fruits with amber flesh and a rich, honey-like flavor. This variety is particularly adapted to hot, arid conditions, making it a favorite in desert climates. Its fruits are often enjoyed fresh due to their size and sweetness.
The Desert King fig tree is vigorous and can produce heavily, especially with proper care. Its ability to thrive in challenging environments makes it a valuable choice for gardeners in hot, dry regions looking for a productive fig tree.
Conadria Fig – Ficus carica ‘Conadria’
Conadria figs are a hybrid variety developed for their resistance to splitting and their ability to produce two crops per year. The fruit has a brownish-purple skin with sweet, light-colored flesh. This variety is noted for its productivity and the quality of its fruit, which is excellent for both fresh eating and drying.
Conadria figs are particularly appreciated in regions with variable weather due to their resistance to rain-induced splitting. Their dual cropping nature also extends the harvest season, providing fresh figs over a longer period.
Celeste Fig – Ficus carica ‘Celeste’
Celeste figs, also known as Honey Fig or Blue Celeste, are small to medium-sized with a violet skin and sweet, amber flesh. This variety is highly regarded for its hardiness and reliability, especially in colder climates where it can still produce well. Celeste figs are often used for preserves due to their sweet, honey-like flavor.
The Celeste fig tree is relatively small and can be grown in containers, making it accessible for urban gardeners. Its resistance to disease and cold makes it a popular choice for those in less favorable fig-growing regions.
Excel Fig – Ficus carica ‘Excel’
Excel figs are known for their large, sweet fruits with a rich, dark purple skin and red flesh. This variety is prized for its productivity and the quality of its fruit, which is excellent for fresh consumption. Excel figs are also noted for their resistance to splitting, making them suitable for regions with unpredictable weather.
The Excel fig tree is vigorous and can grow quite large, requiring space. Its ability to produce high-quality figs in various conditions has made it a favorite among fig enthusiasts and commercial growers alike.
Peter’s Honey Fig – Ficus carica ‘Peter’s Honey’
Peter’s Honey figs are celebrated for their sweet, honey-like flavor and large, amber-colored fruits. This variety is particularly noted for its productivity, often producing two crops per year. The fruits are excellent for fresh eating due to their sweetness and texture.
This fig variety is well-suited for warm climates but can also be grown in containers for those in cooler regions. Its vigorous growth and heavy fruiting make it a standout choice for fig lovers looking for a reliable and delicious variety.
Violette de Bordeaux – Ficus carica ‘Violette de Bordeaux’
Violette de Bordeaux figs are known for their deep purple to almost black skin and sweet, dark red flesh. This variety is prized for its rich flavor and is often used in gourmet dishes or eaten fresh. The fruit is medium to large, with a distinctive, almost wine-like taste.
This fig tree thrives in warm, Mediterranean climates but can also be grown in pots for colder areas. Its fruit’s unique flavor profile makes it a favorite among those who appreciate figs with a more complex taste.
Ronde de Bordeaux – Ficus carica ‘Ronde de Bordeaux’
Ronde de Bordeaux figs are similar to Violette de Bordeaux but are noted for their round shape and slightly smaller size. They share the same deep purple color and rich flavor, making them a close cousin in terms of taste and culinary use. These figs are also excellent for fresh consumption or in preserves.
This variety is well-adapted to warm climates and, like its relative, can be grown in containers for colder regions. Its fruit’s quality and the tree’s productivity make it a valuable addition to any fig collection.
Panache – Ficus carica ‘Panache’
Panache figs are distinctive for their variegated leaves, which add ornamental value to the tree. The fruit itself is medium-sized with green skin that often has a striped or mottled appearance, and sweet, light-colored flesh. This variety is more about aesthetic appeal combined with good fruit quality.
While not as well-known for its fruit as some other varieties, Panache figs still offer a sweet taste, suitable for fresh eating. The tree’s visual appeal makes it a favorite for gardens where both beauty and fruit are desired.
Brunswick Fig – Ficus carica ‘Brunswick’
Brunswick figs are recognized for their large, sweet fruits with greenish-yellow skin and light-colored flesh. This variety is known for its productivity and the quality of its fruit, which is excellent for fresh eating, drying, or preserving. Brunswick figs are also noted for their resistance to splitting.
The Brunswick fig tree is robust and can adapt to various soil types, making it a reliable choice for gardeners in different climates. Its large fruit size and sweet flavor make it a popular choice for both home and commercial cultivation.