Description
Ficus 'Icebox' is a selection from a Chris Chadwell seed collection (CC6807) at 6,900' elevation in Kumaon, India. Ficus palmata, commonly known as the Icebox Fig, is a species of fig tree native to the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions. It is renowned for its cold hardiness and ability to thrive in cooler climates compared to other fig species. This characteristic has earned it the name "Icebox Fig."
Ficus palmata is a deciduous tree that typically grows to a height of 10 to 15 feet. The leaves are lobed, similar in appearance to those of the common fig (Ficus carica), but generally smaller and more deeply cut. The tree produces small to medium-sized figs that are dark purple to
Black when ripe. The figs are sweet and edible, though often considered less flavorful than the common fig.
Plant Delights: We are excited by our introduction of this new selection of the widespread Himalayan Punjab fig, Ficus palmata ssp. virgata, that’s been incredible in our trials. Ficus ‘Icebox’ is a Plant Delights selection from a Chris Chadwell seed collection (CC6807) at 6,900′ elevation in Kumaon, India. Although Ficus ‘Icebox’ is usually a dieback perennial in our climate, it survived 7 degrees F, unprotected, to re-grow to 12′ tall x 18′ wide the following summer. The large 1′ long x 1′ wide leaves, held along the very fuzzy stems, feel like sandpaper on the top and velvet on the back. Without a mild winter, we probably won’t see the early spring-borne fruit this far north, but the quality of the small, purple-
Black , slightly astringent fruit is regarded as on par with Ficus carica. In fact, some taxonomists regard Ficus palmata as a possible ancient parent of our current edible fig. While the fruits can also be used as a laxative and bladder curative, we value Ficus palmata ‘Icebox’ more as a large, bold-leaf, tropical accent specimen for the warm temperate garden. In warmer climates, it can reach a whopping 30′ tall, so plan accordingly…no more Ficus roxburghii envy for us!
