Thermalito  is a highly sought after variety. It is a rare fig that originated from the collection of fig-enthusiast, Blue Malibu. It is said that the variety was discovered in California on a 47-acre replica of an Italian Garden, complete with many figs, olive trees, and grapes vines. The horticultural spectacle, created in the 1800s by Americo Ghianda, has since fallen into disrepair, but wild figs continue to grow there.

Gardeners love Thermalito because it is early ripening. Californians, for example, can expect ripe figs from early July-mid September. It is resistant to splitting in heavy rains and resistant to souring in extreme heat. Cuttings are easy to root and the trees grow vigorously. Thermalito’s branches become heavily set with fruit whose green color easily camouflages it from birds and other pests.