Naming and Identification - Confusion, Frustration and Solutions

15 years ago

Getting descriptive information on various figs is a real task at times. Both identification and accessible descriptions/history are one of the larger problems that I have experienced as I have dealt with figs. Big forum topics revolve around soils, propagation, sharing photos, finding cuttings, identification issues and inquiries about characteristics of various varieties.

There are probably 30 or so figs that are commonly found in the trade (my rough estimate). I think that these are ones that are consistently and reliably identified and have reasonable historic information associated with them. Beyond that, it seems there are a tremendous number of ethnic figs, less known distinct varieties, found figs, unknowns, incorrectly named varieties, and ones with new made-up names that makes our task even more complicated. Matching the names to known names and getting descriptions, history, etc., is problematic.

The following categories seem appropriate to describe the situation and our dilemma.

1) Recent hybrids - Some figs that were hybridized within the past 100 years or so have stable names and can be sorted out. We know where those figs started and the 'original' name since a record usually exists somewhere. There may be some challenges finding the actual breeding parents though. Examples are LSU Purple, Conadria, Tena, Enderud, Hunt, etc.

2) Found in the wild - Figs that were found growing in a field somewhere also have a history. It is very likely that we can know who found it, where it originated, when it was found, the name given to the fig, etc. Of course most of our figs probably originated this way! Some relatively recent examples: Danny's Delight, Beall, Jack's Quarter Pounder, Norman's Yellow, etc.

3) Ancient known figs - Some ancient figs include Dottato, Sari Lop, Mission/Franciscana, Negrone, Verte, etc. These likely have stable names and a reliable history because they are such good figs. They are also unique and distinct from others.

4) Distinct variety names in the literature, from collectors, nurseries or the germplasm repository - Tracking where these and most figs originated is difficult since some are very old and have been around for centuries. In this particular situation there is a dead end of origination knowledge somewhat quickly although the names are fairly stable. These are solid good varieties, but one does wonder where they originated. Figs in this category are ones like Barnisotte, Col de Dame, Dauphine, Ronde de Bordeaux, Kala Heera, etc. Of course these figs are also known by other names.

5) Ethnic names - Some of our best figs fall in this category, but what is the varietal name that it might also be known by? How can we establish what is a valid name? Interesting thoughts to ponder - These are the figs that take on new names because of who brought it over, where the fig was most recently found, where it may have come from in the old country, etc. The trail goes cold rather quickly, usually going as far as someone's grandparent who brought it over or no trail at all since you just got it from a neighbor's yard. Examples are Hardy Chicago, Sal's #1, Long Island Green, Bella, Maryland Brown Turkey, Black Italian, etc. It would be great to match them up with figs that are described in the literature, or to find their 'other' more common name.

6) Incorrect names - We are all frustrated by this problem. Some nurseries have caused problems by making up a new more 'marketable' name which then almost completely eliminates the possibility of figuring out a fig's history. Catalogue descriptions are sometimes also jazzed up with incorrect information. Some collectors have also made mistakes that include variety mix ups, name misspellings, etc. Some examples are - Petite Negri aka Violet Bordeaux, Stella (not sure, might be Adriatic), Nero Caesar, Coconut Chiquita aka Chico Malibu (and even that is likely not the 'original' name), etc.

7) Unknown figs & names - These are usually figs that are found in someone's yard or a fig in which the name has been forgotten. When unknown figs (related to #6 and #5 above) are traded, they usually get assigned a new name, and sometimes that name persists for better or worse. A new temporaryÂ name is good because one can track the fig back to its name originator, hopefully getting it identified someday. It is bad because it complicates matters adding 'another' fig to the mix - another fig which might be the same as something else you have collected, etc. If the history of that exchange gets lost, then we are back to square one. If a good fig is found, it does need a name - the history somehow needs to be kept somewhere. Examples: Pananas Greek (now determined to be a Brown Turkey), Old Home 1895, Takoma Violet, Kathleen's Black, Lindhurst White, etc.

8) Multiple names, different figs - Similar to other problems, this is when one name is used to describe more than one fig. This can be confusing when you think that you have one particular fig but discover that you have something else with a similar name, etc. Examples are Paradiso, Everbearing, Lattarula, Lemon, Petite Negri, etc.

9) A name but what is it? - Again related to problems mentioned above. These are figs in which little if anything at all is written about them. What are these figs, who found them and where did they come from? Again, tracking the origins of these is difficult and the trail gets cold quickly. Examples, Armenian, Shar Amber, the numbered figs from UCDavis, Atreano, etc.

10) Multiple names - This is a very confusing situation when one fig ends up taking on a pile of different names, again related to issues above, particularly #8. Examples: a) Brunswick, aka Dalmatian, Madonna, Magnolia, etc b) Celeste, aka Blue Celeste, Honey fig, Improved Blue celeste, Malta, Tennesse Mtn fig, Sugar fig c) Calimyrna aka Sari Lop. d) etc!

11) What is an original name? - This is a complex topic for discussion. Likely, it is the name that was attached to the variety at the earliest point in time that is possible. How is this determined considering that so much time has passed since some of these figs were first cultivated? Look at Dattato for example, a fig we more commonly know as Kadota. There are some 20 different names that this fig has gone by according to Condit's Monograph and I am sure more names have been invented since his writings.

12) A new naming system? Is there a better way to name figs? Not sure. I like the variety of names, some of which are exotic sounding. It is hard to imagine reducing them to a number or something similar. Fig names in France and Italy seem be more descriptive. Descriptive words there might include an original location, color, size, etc. Some thoughtful consideration could be applied to this issue. So, do we use the name Franciscan or Mission?

13) Local Names - This is a complex issue related to #10 and other issues outlined above. Some figs for example, grown in the various Mediterranean countries may be the same varieties but have different names. The names within those countries may also vary from region to region. Some of these varieties have been cross referenced by researchers, but it adds to the difficulties of unifying which varieties are which. For example the well researched document (mentioned below) that describes figs from Mallorca, lists 44 figs. A fine attempt to list synonyms is made but is likely not comprehensive, including all known names. Example: Synonyms for the Mallorcan fig Bordissot Blanca are Burdasciotta, Bourgeassotte, de Fraga, and Blanca.

My wish is for a comprehensive database to be developed whereby folks could work through a systematic key to narrow down, for example, a better identity for ethnic figs, etc. Having a database that has various characteristics that can be searched would be very useful for identification purposes. Included in such a database would also be a good quality photographic collection that includes foliage samples and fruit - inside and out, ripe and unripe. Additionally I think it would be useful and interesting to include some of the ethnic stories associated with particular figs.

I have listed some resources and studies below that outline various useful descriptive terms that should be included in the searchable database. Using consistent descriptors is also essential - for example, settling on acceptable color names so that if one is searching for a light green fig, it does not get missed because the color was keyed in as white. It could be noted that there is variation as is necessary to describe it. Descriptions might also be categorized both as ÂgeneralÂ descriptions and more detailed.

Local climate and soil issues further complicate identification, leading to local variation. A fig will perform as well as the environment you provide for it I donÂt think environmental variations should be a serious limiting factor for such a database.

Of course, DNA analysis is the ultimate tool in sorting things out, but cost is prohibitive. Someday this may become feasible, but for now we should rely on descriptions that have developed over the past century. There has been some good progress on this but multiple resources still must be reviewed, and that takes time and some familiarity with the scientific descriptions, etc. The following are some useful resources on this topic:

1) Jon at Figs for Fun has developed a good site http://figs4fun.com/ with nice photos and basic descriptions for some of the figs, drawing on descriptions written by others.

2) Rays Givan's site is also very useful http://home.planters.net/~thegivans/ - nice descriptions, some photos and personal analysis. He makes an attempt to help us describe figs properly.

3) Fig Varieties, A Monograph by Ira Condit - excellent resource, but no photos. http://californiaagriculture.ucop.edu/0702AMJ/pdfs/FigMonographHilgardia.pdf

4) CaracteritzaciÃ³ de cultivars de figuera a Mallorca by Josep RossellÃ³ i Botey, (71.3 MB PDF), http://www.caib.es/sacmicrofront/archivopub.do?ctrl=CNTSP760ZI5190&id=5190 This is an enormous file - so plan ahead if you would like to download it. I really like the way the descriptions are organized, etc. It is very systematic and has excellent photographs. It is in Catalan - no English, you can cut out paragraphs and paste them into the Google Translator.

5) Bob (Kiwibob) made a proposal a few years ago to create a photo database that we would all have access to use. Having a good photo of the fruit, inside and out and the leaf shapes for as many figs as possible was the goal. I think that he was also interested in collecting photos from others to make this database work. He approached some of the most knowledgeable folks who declined to collaborate for various reasons. http://www.geocities.com/kiwibobg/kiwifruitsalad3

6) Fig Characteristics Useful in the Identification of Varieties by Ira J. Condit in Hilgardia, A Journal of Agricultural Science published by the California Agricultural Experiment Station. 14; 1 (May 1941) This is an excellent resource.

7) Problems Identifying Fig Varieties by Alex Hart http://www.wanatca.org.au/acotanc/Papers/Hart-1/index.htm

8) European Minor Fruit Tree Species Database from UniversitÃ degli Studi di Firenze http://www.unifi.it/project/ueresgen29/netdbase/s1/dbs1.htm and the actual description key http://www.unifi.it/project/ueresgen29/netdbase/s1/dls1.htm

9) Descriptors for Fig from IPGRI and CIHEAM - Biodiversity International. 2003 International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome, Italy, and International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies, Paris, France. http://www.bioversityinternational.org/fileadmin/bioversity/publications/pdfs/907.pdf I had trouble downloading it and got it directly from their web guru. It is a very good checklist. (I could send it if you canÂt get it downloaded)

10) The Fig - Its History, Culture and Curing with a Descriptive Catalogue of the Known Varieties of Figs by G Eisen from. U.S. Department of Agriculture Division of Pomology. Bulletin #9 . 1901. 317 pages. http://books.google.com/books?id=7dZBAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA181&lpg=PA181&dq=%22the+fig+its+history%22+eisen&source=web&ots=w1kBN09HCH&sig=pGPCB0oUq28qxF0TCxv4KCMhdM0#PPA5,M1

11) http://www.ficuscarica.com - This is a good new online variety resource that is developing.

An example of a very good publication is a book produced in Canada called ÂOur PlumsÂ by Shahrokh Khanizadeh and Johanne Cousineau. http://www.pgris.com/book-poster/plum-book/description.asp You can see a sample page here http://www.pgris.com/book-poster/plum-book/pdf-file/sample-plum.pdf I think that this is a fine example of what could be done for figs sometime in the future, although with the great number of varieties, it might be prudent to limit what is published in a book and put the rest on an online database.

In conclusion, I wish some of these resources were combined so that our figs could be sorted out more easily. To complete such a project someone or organization needs some multi-year funding to do the job well. Despite some frustrations with names, I don't have too much to complain about. If I get a highly recommended fig from a collector, I am happy no matter what its name is. A fine tasting fig, a family fig, etc., is a good fig no matter what the name.

Ingevald

Lawrence, Kansas

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Comments (17)

pitangadiego
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Welcome to the "Fun" part of figs!!!

Short of DNA testing every tree, they cannot be sorted. Oh, wait, that doesn't work either. I have about 2 dozen Celeste trees from different sources. Many of them have been DNA tested at USDA, and are identical. But they do NOT look, behave, grow, taste the same in my orchard - similar to some extent, yes, identical, NO.

I have trees (White Texas Eveerbearing, for example) that can be Honey colored (with corresponding taste) and Strawberry colored (with corresponding taste) depending on the year, or in different parts of the particular season that they ripen.

See http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/figs4funforum/vpost?id=2914676 Those two figs are from the same tree on the same day, and both ripe. Enjoy trying to categorize that one. ;-))

At some point you learn to just accept them and enjoy them.
steve_nj8
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Well thought out characterization of the problem. I bet it will strike up some significant dialog to keep us all going through the winter months while we wait for our figs to sprout in spring.

Some of my thoughts rather briefly ...

I share your desire for a better way to determine varieties and identify origins. For my Bella - Unknown, I did as much digging in the family collective history as I could. I was very frustrated that for a fig that is so much a part of the immigrant Italian culture that no one in the family dug deeper into its origin. As in your example below, Bella's history fizzles out with my grandmother or great-grandfather.

I agree that all the names are interesting and fun but the large number makes it difficult in locating figs that one would like to cultivate. We need a means to reduce this set to a more manageable size. I would think that only through DNA analysis this would be possible with any certainty. It would also tell us how closely related some strains are for proper classification. Not knowing the cost of such an endeavor, I can only guess it would be expensive and since figs are not a major revenue-producing crop in the US a large enough
grant is unlikely.

This leaves us with our only "cost-effective" way of classifying - by physical characteristics and simple chemical analysis techniques. But as you noted - local conditions of climate, soil and culture yield a variety of physical differences even in the same plant. So this may be a flawed methodology.

No obvious near-term solution to the problem is apparent. I will be interested in seeing everyone else's perspective.

BTW, after everyone has kicked this around, I think you should submit your "white paper" as an article in a gardening journal. There will be many folks that find this topic of interest.

Regards
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italiangirl74
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hi Ingevald. I come from a fig farming family, we lived on the same ground in italy for Centuries as far back as our family history has been kept, 1106 I believe was the farthest back we know of my earliest ancestor on my fathers side. Of course the Italian was different, It was a dialect, which combined all formed the Italian language we all know and love today. As far as we know the fig trees have been there as long on our land. The names were the same on our land for hundreds of years, changed only with the initiation of " proper italian" which I believe began from the Tuscan form of our language. Just subtle changes however. We didn't have alot of immigration into our area of the country so there wasn't alot of different or foreign people bringing fig trees with them. We were very homogenized. We really only ever seen other Italians and only those from our Paese, or Province. I think with America, so many of us came to this country and brought our figs. Especially from Italy, Greece, Spain Malta and other Mediterranean countries. Sometimes the younger ones didn't listen to dad or Nonna or Grandpa when they were telling them the proper, regional or dialect names of the figs. They forgot and I wonder if this helped to start this naming madness today. The figs i have from my home in Italy have had the same names and it was never ever disputed by others. Then, they kept very, very good records about the varieties. It was very seldom mislabled. My grandfather of course way before computers.had a book which he marked all his life all his fig trees and their behaviors. Always writing if something looked sick, or if the weather played any role in having a huge crop one year. I never knew honestly there was so many named varieties of fig trees as there are until I saw this forum. Confusing and Unbelievable, but very fun, but I have to admit, I only stick with about a dozen trees I know well and have grown up with. Very interesting, Ciao
ingevald
Original Author
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hello,
I forgot to mention a really great web site - http://www.rogersroses.com/gallery/rosechooser.asp On this search page you can type in a variety of characteristics and then get a smaller list of possible choices with pictures. Wouldn't that be awesome for fig research? It would be a ton of work, but someday one of us might accomplish that goal. I found this rose site very useful when I was researching unknown varieties. At least it got me in the ball park although there are difficulties identifying roses!
Thanks for the responses to my posting. I appreciate hearing from folks on this topic.

Ingevald
dieseler
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Ingevald, thats a great post and you hit the details right on the button period.
Some might be happy sitting back and just enjoying them while others might think different, i was in the first group until i recieved a call recently and brought up the old family tree (here we go again) my grandmother started me on figs in from her tree in chicago back in the early 60s that grew in her yard, anyways that tree i believe was brought back from Sicily possibly Agrigento Sicily but when i do recieve cutting i will ask more information from relative about tree, i really dont think the name is known as i dont recall anyone when small saying a name but will try to find out.
Just my view on some thing written on this thread about DNA,
i tend to lean this way-- DNA may say 2 types are very close and related but not the same, could tree have evolved elsewhere and somehow change to that climate making some markers not exactly alike as if grown i different area's same tree accimilated to the soil and therfore fruit color and leaf color are different-Example as its often heard here that 2 same types grown in different area's have a different leave or slightly different fruit color or even shape. I will be able to see if this is true along with others here as have sent 1 particular tree across country and up as far as Canada, so maybe in 3 or 4 years they can be compared to 1 another, a DNA test of that tree and mine i wonder what would show up in say 50 years from now if both trees survived just a thought that i wll never know answer too. Anyways im starting to wonder more and more now about answers to figs and not sitting back as much i suppose, these tree's have that magic it seems.
Just some thoughts and thank you for a GREAT post!
Martin
italiangirl74
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Ciao Martin, you bring up an interesting point, but I don't think that DNA will change( I hope I understand you correctly) when a plant is subjected to different environmental factors. As far as fruit from the same tree in different areas, it will change a little with climate, sun ect,the fruit from the tree may be darker or lighter ect as one grown in San Diego and one grown here in Pennsylvania. The leaves and other things could help out more like the shape of the figs differing from variety to variety, but I would imagine the DNA would not change. I think it is alot like Humans and Monkeys, yes we do share about 96% the same DNA but the remaining little tiny 4% completely changes us from swinging from trees to being civilized primates. Just the tiniest difference sets us apart. That is why the dna of figs has to be analized much more in Detail for varietal differences. Also another point is that we are not sharing fig seeds, which we all know do not grow true to the parent tree. Most of us share cuttings,, which is a clone of the tree and from what I have seen, pretty much mimiks the tree the cuttings were taken from. My final example is of myself. I immigrated to the U.S. at a younger age, but I don't think my Dna changed when I came to america because it is alot colder during the winters here or since I had my first Hamburger. I'm still the same as I always was DNA wise. Ciao Ciao Martin
pitangadiego
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
When Panachee and Reverse (Panache Reverted) were DNA tested, they show as being one allele different. That small difference makes one have stripes, and the other none. The non-striped one also generally ripens 4-6 weeks earlier (they are branches, ungrafted on the same tree).
dieseler
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Maggie,
very good i can understand more clear now that DNA cannot evolve its absolute all the time and not change. I would take guess then and say there are more fig tree types out there then mentioned in books written and thats great for for diversity of figs. I dont think we will see detailed DNA data base on most types in our lifetime maybe some but not nearly all then. The thread started is very conversational. It will be interseting to see posted pictures in near future of same figs trees that people have sent out to compare them one day. Also i used to collect Lionel trains at 1 time they were popular now just with older generation, i wonder about the figs with the groups that discuss them as we age and die off will there be the same interest in them with younger generation or will that change somewhat. Some sort of data base would be helpful to preserve names and heritage i would think as mentioned useing DNA to be exact and start to slowly sort some types out from each other and group them, it would be a start. As well as others i hate to see a number attached to a fig to me its a disgrace and they need names but its a start at least till they get a name if they ever get a name as i would hate to see a numeber permanently attached.
italiangirl74
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Ciao Martin, interesting and so true about your Lionel train situation. I still do alot of things especially with preparing food that the younger people don't take an interest in or would like to continue on. its ashame because one day they will want certain things from us, then when we die off, they won't know how to do it. Stuff that interests us or that we kept sacred through tradition is interesting, but its too much work or inconvenient for the younger ones. Theyre are some younger out there who are very nostalgic and keep it on and going, but alot of things are dwindling away with the modernization and fast pase of life. I hope the younger take an interest in figs, in some places it is just so much more convenient to buy them at the store in cans! Oh well, got to interest them very very young and teach them the value of hard work and getting dirty in the garden whether with figs or any other garden plant. Its just wonderful preparing something and it was your sweat and blood that went into it, know what I Mean. Ciao
steve_nj8
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I agree with Maggie and Martin on the value of traditions. I grew up with an extended Italian family all living within a few NYC blocks of each other. My grandmother taught me how to make pasta from scratch and infected me with the fig bug. My father (German) taught me how to build with my hands and I have all but built my entire home. I try hard to put these and other traditions into my 3 young boys hearts. It is hard these dys when theyy have so many distractions. I also love the richness of the names and histories with figs. But, it would be immensely helpful to be able to sort them all out somehow. It need not take away any of the charm and intrigue. Just as most plants have a scientific name, they also have a common name. So it could be also with properly classified figs - an ordered number/name and a common name.

As far as the DNA goes ... DNA can change. That is how evolution occurs. Even within a single plant an anomoly can occur resulting in minor differences (example might be a bud sport with sightly different characteristics). In general though, the changes are subtle and slow. DNA can be used to trace "family trees" to determine which ones originated from a common ancestor. DNA can be used to measure how closely related plants might be. There is a lot of subjectivity in determining what makes a different fig (how much DNA variation there is). It need not be "cold science" but gives us additional information that can be used to trace their histories (isn't that what we all are interested in, like traditions). In some cases it will answer questions like "my Sal's is different then your Sal's".
dieseler
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Steve,
you have me scracting my head and thinking more now going back to what i was trying to ssy but have hard time finding proper way. So DNA can change ? I go back now to wonder say a Mission fig if could be traced to be from its roots oversea's and then another growing here that was brought here and can be said for absolute what would the DNA markers say there realted close or maybe exact match? I go back and copy and paste what i said about this as if i try to type it again it might mean something different so ....

i tend to lean this way-- DNA may say 2 types are very close and related but not the same, could tree have evolved elsewhere and somehow change to that climate making some markers not exactly alike as if grown i different area's same tree accimilated to the soil and therfore fruit color and leaf color are different-Example as its often heard here that 2 same types grown in different area's have a different leave or slightly different fruit color or even shape. I will be able to see if this is true along with others here as have sent 1 particular tree across country and up as far as Canada, so maybe in 3 or 4 years they can be compared to 1 another, a DNA test of that tree and mine i wonder what would show up in say 50 years from now if both trees survived just a thought that i wll never know answer too.
END
So i truly wonder if we are now seeing this in the fig world where tree's are very close match as UCDavis studies have found in some types, there was a discussion about how Dark Portuguese and i believe but could be wrong as its been a while since i read that post and Sals were very close i think it was Sals but not sure which.
Perhaps this is slowloy happening or maybe just hogwash on my part of thinking?
Martin
steve_nj8
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
If a tree has been propagated from cuttings, then they are clones so the DNA should be identical. This does not mean (a) that genetic anomolies can not occur, and (b) that the plants would remain identical. Take the case of identical twins: They are genetically identical and began from the same single cell but they often express different physical characteristics over time (environmentally influenced?) - this is the great nature vs. nurture debate - meaning is it nature (genetics) or environment (nurture) that make an individual what they are. So, it is not surprising that figs would cultivate differently in different environments, climates, etc. Since figs are propagated by cuttings for many years (centuries?)and genetic anomalies are a matter of probability (more cell splitting, for a longer time, increases the chance that an anomoly will happen)changes will happen. Some genetic changes will have physical expressions (fruit, leaves, etc)and if that change is present in a cutting tip then the change will be in the new plant. Over time this could lead to the cuttings and its propogations to differ more and more from the "parent".
dieseler
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Steve thanks,
it might be possible then (MIGHT) that we could be witnessing some of that in the present time. Course only 1 way to find out as stated true type parent thats been documented somwhow along with a sibling that is grown elsewhere far away perhaps that is very old i would be interested what the DNA markers would show. You know maybe a good thing that there is much confusion about fig tree's as it is good discussion but also keeps the interest never ending somehow. Thanks once again for the detailed explanation as it make quite a bit of sense now to me, just wish i could see the results 1 day but i highly doubt it. Either way the interest for me will never wane but will always be ............
Best Health
Martin
steve_nj8
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Martin,

I fully agree with you that it makes for very interesting discussion. That is to my earlier point that all this "DNA stuff" and "classification" gives us more pieces to the puzzle to enjoy and wonder about. It doesn't need to take away from the fascination with figs. Stay warm!

Best Regards
oxankle
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Two observations:

#1: Ingevald, you did a fine job with your post. Much to think about there.

#2: Maggie, if your grandpa could trace his Paradiso back to 1106 I think I will just refer to it from now on as the REP. Gallesio can call his fig Paradiso, but ours is the REP.
Ox
eukofios
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
This post is very interesting. I have only 2 cents more to add. First, the "chaos" of fig identification is partly because they are so easy to propagate from cuttings, so do-it-yourself growers can pass them on to friends and family and fig forum people. This is one reason that the original names, if they had names, become lost. Find an interesting fig in the neighborhood, take a cutting, and you have a new tree. You cant do that with, say, peaches, apples, pears, etc. Most other fruits are much more difficult to grow from cuttings, so reproduction is more in the hands of commercial nurseries. For this reason, old varieties of other fruits may be lost and we lose genetic diversity and heritage, but with figs we get to preserve them as do-it-yourself gardeners.

My other comment is that one of my fig trees looks a bit unstable, with some branches producing deeply cut leaves, and other branches producing leaves that are almost uncut. The fig production is variable on different branches as well. This is a petite negri, and it seems to have signicant FMV which may be expressed differently in different branches, or maybe it just mutates easily. If I took branches from the whole-leaf parts, possibly they would be a different looking tree from the other parts. As it is, I cut off branches that were not bearing. This illustrates how an old variety might morph into a new variety over time.
italiangirl74
15 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Ciao Ox, My nonno didn't trace my families Paradiso to 1106, The family tree was traced to then. OUr Paradiso's have been rooted and cutting taken and more Paradiso's made this way since the mid 1700's on our Orchards and on our land. I believe our first original Paradiso's came from near Puglia or Campania and thats from whence we received ours in Abruzzo. This is why I said they don't change much, from what we are told, the trees are pretty basically the same when they multiply and keep growing them in our orchards, not changed at all since the mid 1700's., what I'm saying is they didn't mutate or evolve since then. We have definitely fig varieties that Had been on our orchard since the 1100's, but the Paradiso has been there since mid 1700. I will request a detailed list of all the varieties growing on our 75 acres and email the names to you. I am getting some cuttings shipped to me anyway and would like and need to decide which ones I want to take on next. I willCall Raffaele. Ciao

Naming and Identification - Confusion, Frustration and Solutions

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