Edible Fig

Ficus carica L.

FIE-cuss CARE-ee-caw

Moraceae

Explanation of name: Ficus is an ancient Latin name for figs. Carica is named for Caria in the Middle East (BA1).

Natural range: Mediterranean (BA1)

Recognition: Small deciduous trees or shrubs with the leaves almost round in overall outline, and palmately lobed

Landscape uses (see UFHS27): Although comfortable in Florida, this species is sometimes grown at risk of fungal and root problems. Does not tolerate sogginess and drops fruit during heat stress, drought stress, or nematode stress (UFHS27). Sap causes skin irritation. Sometimes grafted onto nematode-resistant rootstock (BR1). Propagates from large cuttings. This is the edible fig of the Middle East. Escapes cultivation in Florida (WU2).

Cultivars for Florida (directly from Prof. T. E. Crocker, University of Florida IFAS Publication HS27, 1994, copyrighted by UF and used with permission as specified in the publication):

'Celeste' (Celestial, Blue Celeste, Little Brown, Sugar). Widely grown in the South. Fruit small, purplish-bronze to light brown with closed eye, ripening from mid-July to mid-August. Does not bear fruit in season following severe freeze damage.

'Brown Turkey' (Everbearing, Harrison, Ramsey, Lee's Perpetual, Eastern Brown Turkey, Brunswick). Rivals 'Celeste' in popularity. Moderate size fruit of bronze color with medium eye opening. Ripens in late July until late fall and will fruit following severe freeze damage.

'Green Ischia' (Ischia Green, White Ischia, Ischia Verte). Not widely grown but green color and closed eye make it desirable. Fruit ripens late July to early August and does not fruit during season following severe freeze.

'San Piero' (Thomson, California Brown Turkey). No common name in Florida. Fruit very large, purplish-black to purplish-bronze color, does not droop and is subject to souring and splitting.

'Magnolia' (Brunswick, Madonna). Uncommon in Florida, but found throughout the South and canned commercially in Texas. Fruit lopsided, large, bronze colored with open eye. 'Magnolia' ripens from mid-July to late August, fruit tends toward sourness and splitting. Will bear after severe freeze damage.