Where and how does the fig grow?

Fig is an ancient tropical plant with a mass of unique, useful properties that are unfairly underestimated. Latin name of the culture belonging to the genus of ficus (Ficus carica). The plant in different regions is called a fig tree, fig or fig tree. It became widely known since ancient times. If you believe some interpretations of the Old Testament, it was the figs that Adam and Eve tasted as a forbidden fruit.

Many people know the name of the fruit , but few know about the useful properties and other features of the oldest horticultural culture, including where and where figs grow. The photo and the short description under it will not reveal all interesting and important information.

Beneficial features

Figs, thanks to the beneficial properties contained in it, is considered one of the most nutritious fruits. It does not harm the health, but there are some contraindications to its use, for example, people with gout and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can not eat this fruit. Dried berries are not recommended for abuse during pregnancy, diabetes. The daily norm of a healthy person is 3-4 berries.

Fruits figs are useful in fresh and dried form for the prevention of many diseases and general strengthening of the body. In medicine, fig tree fruit is used as a remedy:

• Antibacterial;
• Wound healing;
• Antiparasitic;
• Improving;
• Anti-cancer.

Figs in slimming and home cooking

Dried figs, among other things, is effective in losing weight, as it leaves a feeling of satiety for a long time and has a slight laxative effect. In addition to valuable substances, berries have high taste qualities. But, in spite of its sweetness, the calorie content of the fruit is relatively low (49 kcal per 100 g). Fruits are consumed in fresh, dried and canned form. It produces an amazing jam, pastille, compote and wine, thanks to which the fig has acquired another name "wine berry".

Fig tree leaves in India are used as fodder for livestock, and in France as raw materials for obtaining new fragrances in perfumery. The fig latex contains: malic acid, rubber, renin, resins and many other valuable elements. If you get latex juice on your skin, if you do not immediately remove it, you can get irritated.

How does it grow?

This is a large shrub (8-10 m) with thick smooth branches and a wide crown. The diameter of the trunk reaches up to 18 cm, the root system is 15 m wide, and the roots go to a depth of up to 6 m. Large leaves of the fig are hard with uneven denticles along the edges, from dark green to grayish-green color. The length of the sheet is 15 cm, width - 12 cm.

It is interesting to know: all ficus trees are divided into female and male individuals, and their black wasps of the blastophagus pollinate. These wasps coped well with the task entrusted to them, which is proved by large yields.

In the inflorescences of the tree, there are small holes in the top, through which pollination occurs. And on what tree grows figs, it depends, edible fruits or not, such are, only women, whose flowers do not need pollination.

Pear-shaped fig fruits grow up to 10 cm in length, sweet and juicy yellowish-green or dark purple. It is a hollow fleshy vessel with small partially covered scales. The size and color of the fruit depends on the variety. The most common are dark blue, yellow and yellow-green.

Immature berries can not be consumed, since they contain inedible latex. Depending on the variety in the ripe figs can be from 30 large to 1600 small seeds. Growing in a favorable environment, a fig tree can bear fruit for 200 years. The tree can blossom several times throughout the year, but the fruits are tied to the end of a warm period, from summer to autumn.

Where does it grow?

According to many historians, the fig tree was the first plant cultivated by man, which was cultivated 5,000 years ago. The historical birthplace of the ficus of Saudi Arabia, where the plant has been widely used in the food and medical industries. Over time, the area where the figs grows has spread to Europe and the Canary Islands.

As far back as 1530, for the first time, figs of fruit were tried in England, where seeds were imported to South Africa, Australia, Japan, China and India. The history of American figs begins in 1560, when the seeds were brought to Mexico.

In the Caucasus region (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan) and on the black coast of Russia (Abkhazia, Southern coast of Crimea), ficus has been growing since ancient times. Where the figs grow in Russia in the wild, the climate is warm and dry. Large areas of plantations are located in neighboring Turkey, Greece, as well as in Italy and Portugal.

In Venezuela, this fruit today is one of the most popular. In 1960, a state program was created, thanks to which a serious development of industrial production of this culture began. For a long time in Colombia figs were considered a luxury. Today, the attitude to the fruit has changed, because the figs grow here in every garden. Conditions were too favorable, but the love for the berry did not become weaker.

Climate and soil

In the tropics and subtropics, the fig grows on hilly terrain at 800-1800 m above sea level. The plant is unpretentious and frost-resistant, withstands temperatures of -20 ° C. Dry climate - ideal conditions for growing fresh fruits. With high humidity, the fruits begin to crack and quickly deteriorate. However, too overdried climate adversely affects the quality of fruiting, fruits begin to fall, not having time to ripen.

For cultivation, practically any soil, provided that there is a well-designed irrigation system, is suitable:

• Rich loam;
• Heavy clay;
• Light sand;
• limestone;
• Acid soils.

Figs grow well next to other cultures, on flat terrain, slopes, rocks and screes. Trees are practically not affected by diseases and various parasites.

Where does the exotic fruit grow in Russia?

This seems impossible, but it is quite possible to cultivate a subtropical culture in our northern climate and, despite the severe winter frosts, it will bring a good harvest. This requires only proper agricultural technology.

Wherever figs grow in the wild, at an average daily temperature of +10 ° C over the entire vegetation period, the sum of temperatures reaches +4000 ° C. With such indicators, the harvest will be abundant and stable. Therefore, when cultivating a crop, it is important to provide the same conditions using a trench method.

Under certain conditions with a mandatory shelter for the winter, a fig tree can be planted in the middle zone of Russia. Although it is found in the wild in the Caucasus and Crimea. In the Krasnodar Territory in October-November, fig trees require special greenhouse conditions to survive the winter. In regions with a sharply continental climate, culture is planted in winter gardens and greenhouses. Blossoms the figs for 2-3 years after planting. A high yield brings with 7-9 years. The culture is propagated by seeds, cuttings and layers.

How does figs grow at home?

For planting at home, low-growth varieties are selected. The seedlings are usually in tubs or boxes, so that they can easily be taken out onto the street or balcony. The plant should receive its share of sunlight, and this is several months a year. This is done when the weather has settled on the street, and there will certainly be no frosts at night. The landing vessel is chosen to be strong enough to withstand the well drained soil and the weight of the plant itself.

The soil is mixed in proportions of 2: 1: 2 with sand and compost. To form a single tree when the trunk reaches a height of 0.5 m, the tip is pricked. Every year the capacity needs to be changed, as well as the soil, because the fig grows quickly and its root system needs space. In a box the tree can be fruitful up to 3 times a year: in spring, late summer and late autumn. It is important to provide additional heat and light for the last fruiting, so that the fruit does not crumble prematurely.

Peculiarities of growing

Many gardeners are worried about the suspension of plant growth and the dropping of leaves in a certain period, even with the provision of proper care. Experiencing is not necessary because it grows figs in the subtropics and is considered a deciduous tree, which has its own rest period. At this time the tree is placed in a cool place, also it is necessary to begin to passively feed it and water it.

Grown figs at home, can often bear fruit and give tasty, juicy and healthy fruits, which in their nutritional properties are not inferior to those from the winter garden. The tree settles well on the site, especially in warm edges. It is important to know how the figs grow and take into account that through the roots that are located near the fig tree on the surface of the earth, it receives all the nutrients, including such valuable oxygen.

Therefore, experienced gardeners gently and regularly loosen the ground near the trunk. In an area where the climate is not very arid more simple, and the effective way will be to grow a grass around the roundabout and mow it. Many plant the ficus as an ornamental plant, because the leaves are very beautiful - rugged and large.

Does the fig grow in the Crimea?

In the Crimea, figs bear fruit twice, and this fruit is called here neither fig nor fig. The first season of maturation is the middle of summer, the second - from August to September. Including imported varieties, there are about 280 plant species in the Crimea. The experience of planting this crop here is huge, although it has not reached industrial production yet. Figs grow in the Crimea and on the abandoned sites, from this it only bums, but does not disappear.

Academician Pallas PS believed that the old trees growing on the Crimean peninsula, remained since the days of ancient Greece and are evidence of the cultivation of agriculture of the ancient culture on these lands. However, in the XVIII century the development of horticulture fell into decay.

Nikitsky Botanical Garden

From the beginning of the next century the figs were seriously taken up by scientists from the Nikitsky Botanical Garden, who began not only to study the plant, but also to derive varieties that were already 110 in 1904. Today, including import selection, the garden collection includes more than 200 kinds of figs. In the botanical garden you can buy seedlings of different varieties, including those adapted for different regions of Russia.

Most often, trees are found on the South Bank, where in the markets you can see berries purple and white, dried, dried and canned. Where figs grow in the Crimea, there is an opportunity to buy fresh fruits, and it is extremely rare to meet imported varieties on the shelves. In the fresh form, they simply do not reach us, since they do not tolerate prolonged transportation. If you still managed to meet such fruits, then you should choose them carefully. They should be without damage, dense, but with a slight push to press through.

How to eat figs?

Fig is a unique fruit, useful in any form and is combined with any products. Fresh fruit is torn right off the tree and eaten like an apple, it is juicy and very sweet. For a change, you can season it with cream, sour cream, ham, liqueur or nuts. Dry berries are added to salads or pastries, as well as a delicious combination with other dried fruits or candied fruits. Fresh figs quickly deteriorate, so it is not recommended to store it better, as soon as possible to eat. Maximum on what you can count - 3 days in the refrigerator.

There was much talk about useful properties and how the figs grow. Photos can be found not the most successful of this fruit, many, by the way, do not like what it looks like, but this taste and its most valuable properties have not become less.

What is the use of fig tree fruit?

Dried figs - this is a real "first aid kit", it is a good antidepressant, normalizes blood circulation, gives strength and increases vitality. Effective remedy for colds - dried fruits boil in milk and drink. Good for bronchitis and sore throat. According to the content of fiber, figs can be considered a true record holder, and potassium is more only in walnuts, iron more than in apples. Therefore, it is recommended for use by people suffering from iron deficiency anemia.