The Main Plant entry for Figs (Ficus carica)

Figs are pollinated by tiny wasps: fig wasps. The flowers of figs are not borne on the exterior of the plant; instead they are completely concealed inside the fruit. This is called an enclosed inflorescence, and in figs there are hundreds of teeny florets lining the interior of the central cavity. The fig wasp enters the cavity of the fruit through the ostiole or the bottom end of the fruit. The wasp is only a couple of millimeters long. The fig wasp is dependent on the fig as it can breed nowhere else but inside the fig. And the fig is totally dependent on the fig wasp for survival as nothing else pollinates the fig. Each fig species is pollinated by one fig wasp species, which only pollinates that species of fig for the most part. This is what prevents natural hybridization between different species of figs. HOWEVER, there are about 750 species of figs in the world and there have only been about 300 different species of fig wasps identified. Needless to say, there is much more yet to be learned about the fig and its wasp pollinators.

Reply to this comment

"Fig plants are easy to propagate through several methods. Propagation using seeds is not the preferred method since vegetative methods exist that are quicker and more reliable, that is, they do not yield the inedible caprifigs. However, those desiring to can plant seeds of dried figs with moist sphagnum moss or other media in a zip lock bag and expect germination in a few weeks to several months. The tiny plants can be transplanted out little by little once the leaves open, and despite the tiny initial size can grow to 1 foot or more within one year from planting seeds.

For propagation in the mid-summer months, air layer new growth in August (mid-summer) or insert hardened off 6-10 inches shoots into moist perlite or a sandy soil mix, keeping the cuttings shaded until new growth begins; then gradually move them into full sun. An alternative propagation method is bending over a taller branch, scratching the bark to reveal the green inner bark, then pinning the scratched area tightly to the ground. Within a few weeks, roots will develop and the branch can be clipped from the mother plant and transplanted where desired.

For spring propagation, before the tree starts growth, cut 6-10 inch shoots that have healthy buds at their ends, and set into a moist perlite and/or sandy soil mix located in the shade. Once the cuttings start to produce leaves, bury them up to the bottom leaf to give the plant a good start in the desired location."

Taken from wikipedia's page at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C...

Reply to this comment