Fascinating Figs

I was originally fascinated by the fecundity of the fig tree as a model for how to nourish many individuals in a natural manner. I was exposed to the concept in my favorite film: Planet Earth, where primates are used as an example. I then got into the idea of developing a unique cultivation approach with synergies from Mana Mushrooms, perhaps using mycelial symbiotes to boot production, growth rate, etc. This naturally led me to the Wikipedia fig entry (yes, I contributed :-) where I found out all kind of interesting stuff. I haven't read the full entry, but the symbiosis with wasps is fascinating to me.

 

The Bodhi tree, planted in 288 BC is also an interesting exmple -- the oldest human-planted tree: wow. The Banyan, once the largest living organism is another winner on the human-interest tip.

 

Ficus carica seems to be the most likely candidate since it is identified in the entry as the only fig cultivated for its fruit... What an amazing entry - it seems, "The edible fig is one of the first plants that was cultivated by humans" and, "It is proposed that they may have been planted and cultivated intentionally, one thousand years before the next crops were domesticated (wheat and rye)."

 

Since my apartment seems a bit small to cohabitate with wasps, I'm leaning toward the Common fig for early home experimentation: "Persistent (or Common) figs do not need pollination; fruit develop through parthenocarpic means. This is the variety of fig most commonly grown by home gardeners. Adriatic, Black Mission, Brown Turkey, Brunswick, and Celeste are some representative cultivars."

Next steps: Find a fig tree :-)

"For propagation in the mid-summer months, air layer new growth in August (mid-summer) or insert hardened off 15–25 cm (6-10 inches) shoots into moist perlite or a sandy soil mix, keeping the cuttings shaded until new growth begins; then gradually move them into full sun. An alternative propagation method is bending over a taller branch, scratching the bark to reveal the green inner bark, then pinning the scratched area tightly to the ground. Within a few weeks, roots will develop and the branch can be clipped from the mother plant and transplanted where desired.

For spring propagation, before the tree starts growth, cut 15–25 cm (6-10 inches) shoots that have healthy buds at their ends, and set into a moist perlite and/or sandy soil mix located in the shade. Once the cuttings start to produce leaves, bury them up to the bottom leaf to give the plant a good start in the desired location."

Fun. Fascinating. Figs. :-)