Fig Tree
Fig tree represents about 850 species of trees in the genus Fig. The most common fig is a species that is native to southwest Asia and the Mediterranean region. Human have been cultivating from very ancient eras for its fruits. In fact, the fruits were pretty important back then for the wildlife. As they were food sources for thousands of animals, such as bats, monkeys and birds. In addition to that, they carry an important cultural and spiritual symbolism. In fact, you can find fig tree in multiple different cultures, such as in art, or religion significance. You can read this article and all you want to know about fig tree in www.miskshops.com
The fig tree is fast growing, its height can go from 20 feet to 30 feet tall and it’s pretty wide and large. Also the fig tree’s leaves are fairly huge, as they can be four to eight inches wide, and 10 inches long. However fig species can be either trees, vines, shrubs or even epiphytes.
Fig Tree Origins
The common fig is indigenous to an area extending from Asiatic Turkey to northern India, but natural seedlings grow in most Mediterranean countries; it is cultivated in warm climates. In the Mediterranean region the fig is so widely used, both fresh and dried, that it is called “the poor man’s food”.
There is no wonder why figs generally have a significance to many cultures and religions. From Christianity, to Judaism, to Buddhism and to Islam. The fig tree and its fruits have definitely an old rich history. In fact, the fig tree is originated in Northern Asia Minor and is spread within the Romans and the Greeks through the Mediterranean. People also believe that the tree is indigenous, which means it extended from Asiatic Turkey to Northern India. Moreover, the Spanish missionaries got the fig to the South of California in the 16th century. And it actually grows in warm climates. In many cultures and religions, the fig represents peace, prosperity and fertility. Also, in Islam, the prophet Muhammad SAAW re-introduced the fig as the first fruit he would love to see in Al-Jannah, which is paradise.
Photo by Amber Engle on Unsplash
Types of Fig Tree
As we mentioned up above, the fig tree represents about 850 species of trees in the genus fig and yet to count. So far, there are about 700 types of fig trees. Here are some of the most common types of fig trees:
Caprifigs: This type of fig tree produce only male flowers, which means, it never bear fruits. Therefore, their role is to pollinate the female fig trees.
Smyrna: Unlike the Caprifigs, this type of tree can bear all female flowers and can carry out fruits. So they have to be pollinated by Caprifigs.
San Pedro: This type of fig tree can actually bear two crops. Crop that is on leafless wood that doesn’t need any pollination. And another crop that’s on new wood that requires pollination by a male flower.
Alma figs: Alma figs aren’t the most attractive to look at, yet the fruits excellent, it is rich in flavor and very tasty.
Black mission fig tree: The figs of this tree have a dark purple color that can turn to black when they dry out. They are a high quality fruit and the tree produces them twice a year.
Celeste: This type of tree produces figs that ripen earlier than most of other figs. The tree is indeed pretty large and the fruit’s siwe is medium, brown to purple.
Kadota fig tree: the figs of this type of fig trees are entirely deedless, so when they are dry, they have a light golden color. The figs of Kadota are for the people who love to make figs preserve.
7 Mind Blowing Fig Tree Facts
- Can you believe that Fig trees have no blossom on their branches? In fact, the blossom lies inside the fruit. Isn’t it amazing?
- Almost every single species of fig tree pollinate itself by its own distinct species of fig wasp. A wonderful illustration of co-evolution!
- This is an interesting one! Many believe that it wasn’t an apple that Eve and Adam had in paradise, yes they believe it was a fig fruit.
- The fig tree symbolizes, fertility, sweetness, prosperity and abundance.
- Having one little coffee cup of figs is equivalent to having one cup of milk when speaking about the amount of calcium they both have.
- Did you know figs have more fiver than prunes and more potassium than bananas? Well now, you do!
- The Spanish Franciscans brought Frigs to California in the 16th century
Wrap-up
Fig trees are definitely one of the most symbolic trees, historically, culturally and even religously. It represents over 850 species of trees in the genus fig. And about 700 species of them are already named and typed. The fruit fig was very important as it was one of the main sources of food for the wildlife. The fig tree is native to the Mediterranean and the Northern Asia. It has also made it to the United States-California in the 16th century. The popularity of the fig tree is big as it spread over thousands of years throughout the whole world. This tree symbolizes in many cultures, prosperity and fertility, it was even a reference in arts and literature. As it carries significance to Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism and so many other religions.
The fig tree has hundreds of types and yet to count, therefore the fruit can vary and differ from a type to another. For instance, there are types that have only male flowers such as caprifigs, and others that have female flowers like Smyrna. And for them to pollinate or to be pollinated, its a matter of a natural divine procedure. There are also certain types such San Pedro fig tree that have male and female flowers within them and can get to pollinate each others within the same tree. However the fig tree and the fruit are amazingly beautiful,and have these wonderful characteristics. On one hand, this tree has no blossom inside of the branches, it all happens inside. On the other hand, it is insanely rich in potassium and calcium.What a wonderful god creation.
Images sources:
Cover: Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash
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