The fig tree grows in areas with subtropical and tropical climates. There are several varieties of this plant, some of which are decorative and suitable for indoor cultivation.
The fig tree is a fruiting plant that grows mainly in the East: Syria, Asia Minor, the Caucasus, Crimea, Transcaucasia, Central Asia. It is successfully grown in the USA where the climate is warmest. And also specially planted in areas along the Mediterranean coast. It is also bred in the southern zone of Russia. For full development, this plant needs a tropical or subtropical climate. In this case, it bears fruit most abundantly.
What is considered to be the birthplace of the fig tree?
Scientists concluded that the very first wild representatives of this plant appeared in the mountainous region of Caria in Asia Minor. Here they were called "fig". Gradually, the growing area of the fig tree expanded significantly, later it began to be purposefully cultivated and planted to obtain figs. Thanks to this, varieties appeared that can be grown indoors as an ornamental plant. In nature, this tree can reach 10 m in height.
What is so special about the fig tree?
It belongs to the mulberry family and is otherwise called "fig", "fig tree", "fig". The fruits of this plant are tasty and healthy. They also have several names: fig, wine berry, fig. There are several varieties of fruits: the smallest are Marseilles, the larger ones are Genoese, the largest and fleshy ones are Levantine.
The fig tree is adorned with a spreading crown. If the branches are young, then they have a luxurious foliage, while the old ones are bare. The fig tree in nature is presented in the form of a monoecious or dioecious tree, as well as a densely branched shrub. The bark of these plants is light gray, the leaves are dark green above and light below, large, oval in shape.
The flowering of the fig tree is unusual: in April-May, small green balls appear in the axils of the leaves, hollow inside. There is a small hole at the top of each of them. If the tree is male, then male inflorescences develop in these green balls, if female - female. Figs ripen only in the latter. The only pollinators of fig fruits are blastophagous wasps. If there are a small number of these insects, you cannot count on a good harvest. The average weight of the fruit is 50-80 g. The shape is oblong, often pear-shaped, flattened. Depending on the variety, they come in different colors: yellow, brown, greenish. But their taste is always delicate and pleasant.
