Common fig
Family Moraceae
Ficus carica, the common fig (F. carica 1), is a large shrub or low-growing deciduous tree, up to 10 m tall, with large deeply 3-5 lobed and palmately veined leaves (F. carica 5) and latex in all parts. The common fig has no staminate flowers. The ‘ fig’ is the fleshy fruit formed by the swelling of the entire female inflorescence (F. carica 2). These pear-shaped figs are rich in sugars and vary in shape and colour, which can be green (F. carica 3), brown or purple (F. carica 4).
Distribution
The common fig is a native of Asia Minor and was spread early over the Mediterranean region. It was cultivated in ancient Egypt and by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Today the fig is widespread in warm temperate and subtropical regions.
Use
Common figs are eaten fresh or stewed, and they are dried and canned.
The main producing countries are Portugal, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, California, Morocco, Algeria and Syria.