HEIGHT up to 33 ft (10 m)
TYPE Deciduous
OCCURRENCE W. Asia, introduced in Mediterranean region
This tree has been cultivated for thousands of years for its edible fruit. Its remains have been found at Neolithic sites dating back to 5000 BCE. The Arab expansion in the 6th–8th centuries brought new and better cultivars to the Mediterranean region. Today, there are about 700 known cultivars. BARK Grayish brown, smooth and porous. LEAF Alternate, ovate to round with heartshaped base, 3–5 deep lobes, toothed or wavy margins, rough above, softly hairy beneath. FLOWER Tiny, fleshy, numerous, enclosed in a hollow fig receptacle; males on the inner walls near the small opening at the top, females beneath. FRUIT Reddish purple, pearshaped to globose fig.
