Golden.

Auriculate. With ear-like lobes. Having two lobes, often curved, often near the base.

The second main crop of figs that occurs in autumn. Sometimes called "second main crop", "fall crop", or "autumn crop".

Angle of leaf or fruit with stem.

Occurring in an axil.

These small buds are located at the junction between a fig tree’s leaves and stems and are responsible for producing new shoots, leaves, or fruits. Proper care ensures axillary buds develop into productive growth points.

BTI is a group of bacteria used as biological control agents for larvae stages of certain dipterans. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis produces toxins which are effective in killing various species of mosquitoes, fungus gnats, and blackflies, while having almost no effect on other organisms.

Honey is a flavor sometimes associated with some fig varieties and/or a term used for the nectar within a fig, which can ooze from the ostiole. Some varieties include “honey” in their names and can be translated from:

• Catalan: Mel

• French: Miel

• Greek: Méli

• Hebrew: Dvsh

• Italian: Miele

• Portuguese: Mel

• Spanish: Miel

• Turkish: Bal

Refers to new shoots or suckers emerging from the base of a fig tree. While these can be pruned to maintain tree structure, they can also serve as propagation material.

In a climbing plant, a leaf produced by the immature plant, which is physically distinct from the leaves produced by the mature plant.

(Pepinieres Baud) is in Vaison la Romaine, France. Pierre Baud is known to be one of the most influential and highly respected fig growers in the world.

Some variety strains are attributed to this now closed nursery and have the BC, BN or Belleclare suffix appended to the variety names.

Sometimes called a Gateway Variety. It can refer to the fig fruit, itself. But usually refers to cuttings and or trees that have qualities that are good for beginners: widely available, common type, easy to root, cold hardy, inexpensive, and tasty. Some classic beginner varieties are Violette de Bordeaux and Chicago Hardy.

Some variety strains are attributed to this now closed nursery and have the BC, BN or Belleclare suffix appended to the variety names.

Also called BFF. A recently introduced pest to southern California, causing severe damage to fig crops. See PEST ALERT – Black Fig Fly and the Black Fig Fly article on Silba adipata McAlpine. 

A condition where fig trees produce a heavy crop one year and a lighter crop the next, often caused by overproduction depleting the tree's resources. Proper pruning and fertilization can help stabilize yields.

A fig variety that produces two crops: the early breba crop in late spring/early summer, and the main crop from mid-summer through early fall.

A split or division in fig branches, which often influences tree structure and fruit production.

Two-lipped.

The use of natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to manage pest populations in fig orchards. This eco-friendly approach reduces reliance on chemical pesticides and promotes a balanced ecosystem.

The color "black" or "dark" is often in the name of fig varieties and can be translated from:

• Catalan: Negre

• French: Noire (feminine); Noir (masculine)

• Greek: Mávros

• Italian: Nero

• Portuguese: preta (feminine); preto (masculine)

• Spanish: negra (feminine); negro (masculine)

• Turkish: siyah

Also called BFF. A recently introduced pest to southern California, causing severe damage to fig crops. See PEST ALERT – Black Fig Fly and the Black Fig Fly article on Silba adipata McAlpine.

One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called Black Madeira Type. A premium class of figs.

One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called Black Mission Type. One of the most widely-grown commercial varieties in California.

This is the name of the little fig wasp that makes so many figs look and taste better. It is not the only fig wasp. As other species of ficus have there own tiny wasp. But this is the one for Ficus Carica, Ficus Palmata, Ficus Johannis, And possibly others.

A pest problem caused by larvae boring into fig trunks and branches, leading to structural weakness and dieback. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term damage.

A condition where fig branches lose vitality and die from the tips, usually caused by disease, pests, or environmental stress.

Breba refers to the first crop of figs produced by certain varieties, typically on the previous year's wood (old growth). These figs ripen early in the season, often before the main crop, and are usually larger and sweeter.

The breba crop is an important feature of figs like the San Pedro variety, which produces both breba and main crops. For collectors and growers, breba figs are especially valued for their early harvest and unique growing cycle.

The first fruiting cycle in some fig varieties, where fruits develop on the previous season's wood. Breba figs are typically harvested earlier in the year and are often smaller or less sweet than the main crop, but they offer an additional harvest for growers.

Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis - A bacterium used in the prevention/extermination of fungus gnats and other dipteran larvae.

The term refers to Caprifigs that need the wasp to completely ripen there figs. It also refers to female fig crops that require pollination to ripen.

Essential for cell wall development and overall plant health, calcium plays a vital role in fig tree growth. Deficiency can lead to fruit quality issues like splitting or poor skin texture, so regular soil testing is recommended.

The formation of a protective tissue on the cut ends of fig cuttings before rooting occurs. Proper callusing increases the chances of successful propagation.

The outermost layer of the fig’s flower structure, the calyx helps protect the developing syconium from environmental damage and pests. It remains attached to the fruit even when mature.

The layer of actively dividing cells between a tree’s bark and wood, responsible for growth. In fig trees, damage to the cambium can disrupt nutrient and water transport, affecting tree health.

A fungal or bacterial infection that creates sunken lesions on fig branches or trunks. Prompt pruning of infected areas and proper care can prevent its spread.

Caprification is the process of transferring pollen from male fig trees (caprifigs) to female fig varieties that require pollination, like Smyrna and San Pedro figs. This process is typically carried out by fig wasps, which enter the caprifigs to lay eggs and collect pollen, then carry it to female figs while searching for suitable egg-laying sites.

Caprification ensures the fertilization needed for these figs to mature properly. In regions without natural fig wasps, growers sometimes manually pollinate figs. This practice is critical to cultivating certain fig varieties and fascinates collectors for its blend of nature and horticulture.

The term used for the pollination of figs.

In short, a caprifig type fig is the male fig that produces the pollen required to caprify (pollinate) female figs.

Unless you are located in very select regions of California that have the fig wasp (the only known natural means for pollinating female figs), you may want to avoid caprifigs. HOWEVER, some outside of wasp regions will elect to acquire caprifigs for manual pollination or to attempt to establish the fig wasp.

you may be interested in more detailed information in his book, Caprifigs and Caprification.

Caprifigs are wild fig varieties that play a crucial role in the pollination of Smyrna figs. They house fig wasps that carry pollen between trees, facilitating the development of viable fruit. Understanding caprifig management is essential for Smyrna fig cultivation.

Fig trees can contribute to mitigating climate change by capturing and storing carbon dioxide in their biomass and soil. This makes fig orchards an environmentally sustainable agricultural choice.