Ficus carica

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Ficus carica

Ficus carica, commonly known as the Common fig, is a species of flowering plant in the family Moraceae, native to the Middle East and western Asia. It is a deciduous tree or large shrub, which produces a unique fruit, also called the fig.

Pronunciation

Ficus carica is pronounced as "Fy-kus ka-ri-ka".

Etymology

The term "Ficus" is a Latin word, which translates to "fig". "Carica" is derived from Caria, a place in Asia Minor, where figs were widely cultivated in ancient times.

Description

Ficus carica is a gynodioecious (having hermaphrodite flowers and female flowers on separate plants), deciduous tree or large shrub that grows up to 7–10 metres (23–33 ft) tall, with smooth white bark. Its fragrant leaves are 12–25 centimetres (4.7–9.8 in) long and 10–18 centimetres (3.9–7.1 in) wide, and are deeply lobed with three or five lobes.

Cultivation and uses

Ficus carica is widely grown for its edible fruit. It is also grown as an ornamental tree, and in the UK the cultivars 'Brown Turkey' and ‘Ice Crystal’ (mainly grown for its unusual foliage) have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Related terms

  • Fig wasp: A group of wasps that are associated with figs, and are responsible for pollinating them.
  • Fig leaf: The leaf of the fig tree, which has cultural and historical significance.
  • Fig paste: A sweet paste made from figs, often used in baking and cooking.

External links

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