Scientific Name: Ficus carica

Family: Moraceae

Common name: Fig

Description: Fig a deciduous small tree or shrub, growing between 10 and 30 feet tall, with quick growth. Fig produces purpleishbrown fruits that are ready to pick in late summer and early fall. The fruits can be eaten fresh, cooked or made into preserves.

Range and Habitat: Fig is native to the Mediterranean and Central Asian regions. Fig can be found in the most Southern portions of the United States. This tree prefers at least 6 hours of direct light per day. Zones 8-10

In Porcher’s time… Blue dye was extracted from the skins of fig. Fig juice was used for sympathetic ink, as the characters written with it were not visible until exposed to the sun.