The Edible Fig, Ficus carica

Ficus carica, the edible fig, is grown throughout the world for its delicious sweet figs. It prefers growing in climate areas that have some sort of resting season, either from cooler winter temperatures or a dry season. I have tried growing it in a tropical greenhouse without a proper cool or dry period and found that it does not grow well for me under these conditions.

Ficus carica growing out of cracks in a rock wall

Close up view of the fig

Yet, another specimen growing out of a rock wall

For interest I am showing a few specimens that I saw growing out of rock walls during a recent trip to Greece.