The shallow, fine roots of a fig tree that absorb water and nutrients. Proper mulching and watering practices are essential to protect these delicate roots.

Occurs when figs overripen or split, leading to sugar breakdown and yeast activity. While this can attract pests, fermentation is also key to making fig-based products like wine or vinegar.

Commonly known as the Sycomore fig or Fig-mulberry, is an ancient fig species native to parts of East and Central Africa and the Middle East. It belongs to the Moraceae family and has a long and sacred history, with deep cultural, agricultural, and religious significance. Unlike the Ficus carica, which dominates modern edible fig cultivation, Ficus sycomorus thrives in hot, dry regions and produces small, mildly sweet fruit in abundance along its trunk and branches.

This species has been cultivated since at least 3,000 BCE, particularly in Ancient Egypt, where it was associated with life, death, and divine sustenance. It is one of the oldest fig species to be intentionally cultivated by humans, with early examples found in tomb paintings and written records. The tree was once so important in Egypt that special techniques were used to artificially induce fruiting by gashing or scraping the fruit to initiate ripening—a process known as caprification.

While its figs are considered edible, they are typically consumed locally and are less desirable to commercial growers due to their texture and mild flavor. The tree itself is highly valued for its shade, wide canopy, resistance to drought, and ornamental beauty. It also plays an important ecological role in its native regions, supporting wildlife and hosting pollinating fig wasps.

Collectors' Note:
Though not a typical variety sought by collectors of Ficus carica, Ficus sycomorus holds appeal for botanical enthusiasts, permaculture gardeners, and those interested in ancient or historical fruit trees. Its exotic lineage, resilience, and spiritual relevance draw admiration from those who collect or cultivate rare and heritage fig species. In regions where it can survive, it makes for a stunning landscape feature and conversation piece among fig growers.

FigBid.com, often referred to simply as Fig Bid, is a fig-focused auction and sales platform that emerged to give fig enthusiasts a centralized place to buy and sell cuttings, plants, and trees. However, what began as a niche marketplace has steadily grown into a high-stakes arena where prices often skyrocket beyond reason, raising questions about accessibility, ethics, and the platform’s role in shaping the fig collecting economy.

One of the most common criticisms levied at FigBid is that it has turned the act of collecting and growing figs into a financial game. Prices for fig cuttings—sometimes no more than six-inch sticks—can soar into the hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars depending on the popularity or hype surrounding a variety. These inflated prices often reflect more about rarity narratives and bidding wars than the actual horticultural value of the plant.

While the platform does offer a way for sellers to reach a wide audience, it’s clear that the site owners benefit heavily from transaction fees and listing volume. The more sales and bidding activity occur, the more revenue is generated through the system’s fee structure. This has led some to argue that FigBid’s primary motivation is no longer community service but monetization. Unlike traditional forums or fig-growing clubs, where knowledge-sharing is the currency, FigBid tends to emphasize commercial success and “top-dollar” wins.

Even sellers who start out with good intentions sometimes find themselves swept into the profit-driven culture, encouraged to chase trends or rename seedlings in hopes of tapping into the next viral variety. It's a marketplace that rewards hype, not necessarily horticultural integrity. New collectors—especially those unfamiliar with propagation or market values—are often priced out or lured into overpaying, fueling an unsustainable collecting culture.

There’s also the perception that the same handful of sellers dominate the platform, creating an environment that can feel less like a grassroots fig exchange and more like a curated auction house with insider benefits. The emphasis on flashy photos, limited quantities, and countdown timers contributes to a sense of urgency that plays directly into FOMO (fear of missing out)—a classic marketing tactic more commonly associated with online retail than plant collecting.

In the end, FigBid reflects a broader trend in the plant world: as interest in rare and exotic varieties rises, so too does the drive to capitalize on that demand. But in doing so, it risks alienating the very community it was built to serve—those who grow figs not for profit, but for passion.

The deliberate cross-pollination of fig trees to develop new cultivars with improved traits such as flavor, disease resistance, or adaptability. Breeding programs often take years to produce market-ready varieties.

Fig Database was founded by Rigo Amador as a specialized, community-driven catalog of edible fig varieties. Its name traces to a lineage of similar “variety archives” curated by fig collectors in online forums—where a more organized, searchable system was sorely needed (figdatabase.com). Over time, the service evolved into a platform with user-submitted reviews, star ratings, flavor classifications, and advanced search tools tailored to both casual gardeners and serious collectors.

Since its launch, a key driver behind Fig Database's growth has been its emphasis on community contributions and preservation of rare fig biodiversity. Members from around the globe submit pictures, tasting notes, geographic growing data, and even taxonomic input. The integration of mapping tools and gardening zones began as a way to visually demonstrate where varieties thrive, adding practical value for growers and contributing to amateur fig conservation.

The platform also supports learning through its blog, where in-depth posts explore history (“Black Mission heritage,” “fig wasp symbiosis,” etc.) and gardening strategies. Notably, Fig Database functions not just as an archive but as a living knowledge network, echoing early botanical societies and hobbyist exchanges from centuries past.

A preservation method where ripe figs are pureed, spread thin, and dried to create a chewy, nutritious snack. This traditional technique highlights the versatility of figs in culinary applications.

Fig leaves contain compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids that may help regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol. They are also used in herbal teas and traditional medicine.

Fig mosaic virus (FMV) is a plant virus that causes mottled or mosaic patterns on fig leaves, leaf deformation, stunted shoots, and premature fruit drop. It's transmitted primarily through eriophyid mites (Aceria ficus) or via infected propagation cuttings. While it rarely kills mature fig trees, it weakens trees and reduces fruit quality. Management strategies include strict sanitation, sourcing certified virus-free cuttings, and controlling mite populations.

FMV is a notable threat to fig enthusiasts focused on maintaining clean, productive collections. Especially when trading or sharing rare cuttings, verifying virus-free stock is essential for preserving cultivar integrity.

Is a rooting method used by people that includes your favorite mix and a bag instead of a cup per se. Here is a great article written by Ben B. You can also check his videos on how to:

• Video Method 1
• Video Method 2
• Video Method 3

Fig tree roots are known for their aggressive growth, which can disrupt sidewalks or foundations if planted too close to structures. Container planting or root barriers can help manage their spread.

The milky latex sap of fig trees contains proteolytic enzymes like ficin, which can cause skin irritation in some people. This sap is also used in traditional medicine for treating warts and other skin conditions, showcasing its diverse applications.

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.

The title only a fig king can earn. He who is above it all. No self given title like (the fig boss) can match it's TRUE power of fig collection and wisdom. A title only Eric holds.

Fig-wasp mutualism is a UNESCO-recognized example of obligate symbiosis: tiny female fig wasps (Blastophaga psenes in edible figs) enter the ostiole to pollinate internal flowers in exchange for reproductive space. Males, wingless and short-lived, mate with females inside, then female wasps exit carrying pollen. In Smyrna and caprifig types, this process is essential for fruit ripening. In common figs, parthenocarpy allows fruit without wasps, but the intricate biology remains foundational in fig evolution.

Understanding this mutualism is crucial for collectors of traditional caprificated figs. It enriches the narrative around cultivar variation and underscores the biological depth behind fruit sets in rare fig lines.

FigBid.com, often referred to simply as Fig Bid, is a fig-focused auction and sales platform that emerged to give fig enthusiasts a centralized place to buy and sell cuttings, plants, and trees. However, what began as a niche marketplace has steadily grown into a high-stakes arena where prices often skyrocket beyond reason, raising questions about accessibility, ethics, and the platform’s role in shaping the fig collecting economy.

One of the most common criticisms levied at FigBid is that it has turned the act of collecting and growing figs into a financial game. Prices for fig cuttings—sometimes no more than six-inch sticks—can soar into the hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars depending on the popularity or hype surrounding a variety. These inflated prices often reflect more about rarity narratives and bidding wars than the actual horticultural value of the plant.

While the platform does offer a way for sellers to reach a wide audience, it’s clear that the site owners benefit heavily from transaction fees and listing volume. The more sales and bidding activity occur, the more revenue is generated through the system’s fee structure. This has led some to argue that FigBid’s primary motivation is no longer community service but monetization. Unlike traditional forums or fig-growing clubs, where knowledge-sharing is the currency, FigBid tends to emphasize commercial success and “top-dollar” wins.

Even sellers who start out with good intentions sometimes find themselves swept into the profit-driven culture, encouraged to chase trends or rename seedlings in hopes of tapping into the next viral variety. It's a marketplace that rewards hype, not necessarily horticultural integrity. New collectors—especially those unfamiliar with propagation or market values—are often priced out or lured into overpaying, fueling an unsustainable collecting culture.

There’s also the perception that the same handful of sellers dominate the platform, creating an environment that can feel less like a grassroots fig exchange and more like a curated auction house with insider benefits. The emphasis on flashy photos, limited quantities, and countdown timers contributes to a sense of urgency that plays directly into FOMO (fear of missing out)—a classic marketing tactic more commonly associated with online retail than plant collecting.

In the end, FigBid reflects a broader trend in the plant world: as interest in rare and exotic varieties rises, so too does the drive to capitalize on that demand. But in doing so, it risks alienating the very community it was built to serve—those who grow figs not for profit, but for passion.

Figlet is a term used to describe a small, immature fig fruit that begins to form on a fig tree. These figlets are the early stages of fruit development and can be found either at the start of the growing season for the breba crop or later for the main crop.

Figlets grow from the tree's leaf nodes and gradually mature into full-sized figs, provided the tree receives proper care and conditions. Their appearance often signals a healthy and productive tree, exciting growers and fig enthusiasts for the harvest ahead.

Fig Mosaic Disease (FMD) is a viral complex that affects fig trees (Ficus carica) and is commonly associated with Fig Mosaic Virus (FMV)—though multiple viruses are often involved. It causes a range of symptoms including yellow or light green mosaic-like blotches, ring spots, leaf deformation, and stunted shoot growth. Infected trees may also produce small or misshapen fruit. The primary vector is the eriophyid mite (Aceria ficus), which spreads the virus as it feeds. The disease can also be transmitted through cuttings from infected trees, making it a major concern for propagation. Though rarely fatal, the virus can significantly reduce yield and overall plant vigor.

Fig collectors and hobbyists must remain vigilant with FMD, as it can quietly undermine a collection’s health and performance. Many prized cultivars carry the virus asymptomatically, so visual signs alone aren't reliable. Collectors often source cuttings from trusted growers who practice clean propagation and mite control. While there's no cure, good cultural practices—such as mite prevention, sanitation, and growing in optimal conditions—can minimize impact and help trees thrive despite infection.

Fig mosaic virus (FMV) is a plant virus that causes mottled or mosaic patterns on fig leaves, leaf deformation, stunted shoots, and premature fruit drop. It's transmitted primarily through eriophyid mites (Aceria ficus) or via infected propagation cuttings. While it rarely kills mature fig trees, it weakens trees and reduces fruit quality. Management strategies include strict sanitation, sourcing certified virus-free cuttings, and controlling mite populations.

FMV is a notable threat to fig enthusiasts focused on maintaining clean, productive collections. Especially when trading or sharing rare cuttings, verifying virus-free stock is essential for preserving cultivar integrity.

Francesco Lorusso is a passionate fig breeder and collector from Italy whose work has garnered admiration in niche fig-growing circles around the world. Though he is not widely known outside the community of serious fig enthusiasts, his cultivars have made a lasting impression for their beauty, flavor, and rarity. Among his introductions are varieties such as Oro Bianco, Amore, Florinda #2, Fico Prete, and Drago 2 (Sangue di Drago)—figs often praised for their unusual skin striping, vivid pulp colors, and complex sweetness. These varieties are frequently sought after by collectors looking to add distinctiveness and aesthetic appeal to their collections.

Lorusso's selections are most often shared through small fig nurseries and private exchanges, with a few vendors in North America offering cuttings and trees. Despite being marketed as parthenocarpic, meaning they don’t require pollination, some growers in non-wasp regions have reported mixed results, suggesting that their full behavior is still being understood. Nevertheless, these cultivars remain highly desirable and are often the centerpiece of fig hobbyist discussions.

What adds complexity to Lorusso’s legacy is his stance on commercialization. Although he has released and shared many of these varieties without formal patents, he has expressed strong displeasure when others sell the cultivars he named. This has caused tension in the collector community, particularly since the varieties are not legally protected, and fig sharing is such a foundational part of the culture. Still, his creative influence is widely acknowledged, and there is a strong respect for the originality and distinctiveness of his work.

Francesco Lorusso remains a respected and sometimes polarizing figure in the world of fig collecting—celebrated for his unique contributions, even as questions of naming rights and propagation ethics continue to spark debate. His cultivars remain part of a living legacy that fig collectors appreciate, grow, and discuss across continents.

Occurs when fig trees are exposed to freezing temperatures, which can kill young shoots or damage fruit. Protecting trees with frost cloth or mulch helps mitigate risks.

A phenomenon where figs fall prematurely from the tree, often due to stress, insufficient pollination, or improper watering.

The use of synthetic hormones like gibberellic acid to encourage fruit set in certain fig varieties. This practice is particularly useful in commercial orchards to improve yield consistency.

A short branch on a fig tree that produces fruit. Proper pruning encourages spur development, maximizing fruit production.

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