The first or winter caprifig crop, maturing in California in early April.

The second or spring caprifig crop, maturing in June in California.

The third caprifig crop, maturing in late summer in California.

A popular fig tree potting mix, composed of 5 parts pine bark, 1 part sphagnum peat moss, and 1 part perlite.

A new item added to an existing collection. In the case of fig varieties, it is the addition of a specific sample. A fig variety name may be associated with the accession, but accessions are usually tracked through a unique identifier that keeps specific samples separate from others which may have the same name. For example, the NPGS has the specific identifier DFIC 63 for a submission of the Violette de Bordeaux variety.

Though, the fig, itself, is not technically a fruit, but a casing (the syconium or receptacle) that encloses dozens or hundreds of tiny fruits called "pips", drupes, or most properly, achenes. An achene is a dry, indehiscent, one-seeded fruit. Each achene contains a single seed, surrounded by a hard ovary wall.

A chemical substance that neutralizes alkalis, dissolves some metals, and turns litmus red. At the chemical level, it is a molecule that can donate a proton or accept an electron pair in reactions. Acidity is measured by pH. A pH below 7 is acidic. The lower the pH, the higher the acidity. Acids with lower pH's can be hazardous. pH plays an important role in fig growth. Soils which are overly acidic can stunt fig tree growth and may require amendments (often via garden lime or wood ash). Acidity is also a factor in fig flavor. Acidic figs have a "sharpness" or "tartness", usually attributed to vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Some enjoy this flavor, especially when balanced with sugar and other flavors. Others have a clear preference for avoiding acidic figs.

In a climbing plant, a leaf produced by the mature plant, which is physically distinct from the leaves produced by the immature plant.

A prolonged apex, usually narrowed.

Taper-pointed; gradually tapering.

Sharp-pointed.

Fig trees are highly adaptable and can thrive in a range of environments, from arid regions to humid tropical climates. This adaptability is due to their deep root systems, drought tolerance, and ability to adjust growth patterns based on soil fertility and water availability.

The AF "strain" of the Genovese Nero is attributed to him.

One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called Adriatic Type. Varieties of the Adriatic Family are most easily identified by the green skin, sometimes turning yellow when ripe, and the red interior. Often with a dense strawberry flavor.

Out of the proper or usual place.

A biological phenomenon where plants release chemicals into the soil to inhibit or encourage the growth of nearby plants. Some fig trees may exhibit mild allelopathic tendencies, affecting companion planting choices.

Adriano Ferreira: The AF strain of the Genovese Nero is attributed to him. You can watch a video of him and or visit his website.

Propagation by wrapping moss around branches still attached to tree. Often referred to within the fig community as "air layering".

A propagation technique where a section of a fig tree branch is wounded and wrapped with moist soil or moss to encourage root development before it is cut and planted. This method is highly effective for producing clones of mature trees without the need for cuttings or seeds.

Also referred to as "base". A chemical compound that neutralizes or effervesces with acids and turns litmus blue. At the chemical level, it is a molecule that can readily receive a proton or donate an electron pair in reactions. Alkalinity is measured by pH. A pH above 7 is alkaline. The higher the pH, the higher the alkalinity. Alkalis with higher pH's can be hazardous. pH plays an important role in fig growth. Fig trees prefer soils which are alkaline. Acidic soils can stunt fig tree growth and may require amendments (often via garden lime or wood ash) to increase the alkalinity. Latex (fig sap) is alkaline and can be caustic, even burning the skin, especially when exposed to sunlight. Unripe figs can have an excess of latex, and produce a very distasteful flavor and even an unpleasant sensation on the tongue and lips. In contrast, see Acid.

An allele is a variation of the same sequence of nucleotides at the same place on a long DNA molecule. The word "Allele" is a short form of "allelomorph".

Only one at a place, as leaves.

Veins forming a network.

Andreas Pratras from Patra, Peloponnisos, Greece: He sheds a lot of light on Greek varieties and there may be a few fig varieties circulating within the US that are sourced from him.

Both male and female flowers in the same cluster.

Evidence that is merely from a single or few accounts. It is considered a logical fallacy to draw accurate conclusions or generalizations based upon anecdotal evidence, not considering the many variables that contribute to a single or very narrow range of examples, time, etc. Anecdotal evidence is considered subjective versus an objective scientific study.

An edible fig, usually Ficus carica, but can be of other species. "Fig" is often in variety names, in other languages:

• Arabic: Teen

• Catalan: Fig; plural: Figues

• Chinese: wu hua guo

• French: Figue; plural: Figues

• German: Feige; Essfeige

• Greek: Sýko; (or Siko) plural: Sýka (or Sika)

• Hebrew: Te'enah; plural: Tnm

• India (Hindi): Anjir

• Italian: Fica (feminine); Fico (masculine)

• Portuguese: Figo; plural: Figos

• Spanish: Higo; plural: Higos

• Turkish: Incir

A ring, or ringlike structure.

Natural pigments responsible for the vibrant purple, black, or red colors in fig skins. These antioxidants not only enhance the fruit’s aesthetic appeal but also offer health benefits when consumed.

Figs are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols, which help neutralize free radicals in the body. These compounds are concentrated in the skin and flesh, contributing to the health benefits associated with fig consumption.

Andreas Pratras from Patra, Peloponnisos, Greece: He sheds a lot of light on Greek varieties and there may be a few fig varieties circulating within the US that are sourced from him.

A growth pattern in plants where the main, central stem grows more vigorously than the side branches, primarily due to the influence of the terminal bud. In fig trees, managing apical dominance through pruning can encourage a more bushy growth habit and increase fruit production.

Ending in a short-pointed tip.

Apomixis. Seed production without fertilization of the flower. Asexual reproduction.

This is the European Union's new designation, meant to replace the old Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée for recognition across the member states. It was officially adopted in January 2016. As Bordeaux wine must be produced in the Bordeaux region of France, and Champagne must be produced in the Champagne region, some fig variety names fall under AOP protection (e.g. Figue de Sollies, which is often sold as Violette de Sollies to avoid conflict with AOP protection). AOP applies to the fig "fruit", not to the variety of trees. Though not technically under AOP, other varieties outside of the European Union may also fall under protected status (e.g. Djebba has a protected variety name in Tunisia). See Protected/controlled designation of origin (PDO/AOC) for more details.

Moderately curved.

Area with a distinct boundary.

Rough to the touch.

One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called Atreano Type. This family is very balanced, which includes the features from the other more predominant characteristics of the other fig families: honey, fruitiness, and light berry.

Gradually narrowed or drawn out.