Fig Glossary
Terminology, Abbreviations & Acronyms
In any particular field of study, there is a specific terminology (vocabulary) associated with it. Figs are no different. These terms can be a bit daunting for “newbies”. Some fig terms are even obscure to seasoned fig veterans. This glossary is designed to be a powerful resource for understanding terminology that is unique to the fig community.
Note: Use the search function to quickly go directly to your term or to find synonyms for the primary list.
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- C3 Pathway
One of the three main categories of plant pathways. The majority of plants, including fig trees, belong to the C3 category. The other two main pathways are C4 (e.g. corn) and CAM (primarily made up of cacti). A good understanding of the C3 pathway can give great insight into the operations of fig trees, including: carbon fixation, photosynthesis processes, ideal leaf temperature, etc.
- C3 Plant
One of the three main categories of plant pathways. The majority of plants, including fig trees, belong to the C3 category. The other two main pathways are C4 (e.g. corn) and CAM (primarily made up of cacti). A good understanding of the C3 pathway can give great insight into the operations of fig trees, including: carbon fixation, photosynthesis processes, ideal leaf temperature, etc.
- Caducous
The opposite of "persistent", requiring Caprification (pollination) to produce edible figs. The Smyrna Type and the main crop of the San Pedro Type are Caducous.
- California Brown Turkey Fig Family
One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called California Brown Turkey Type. It is one of the most widely grown commercial varieties in California.
- California Rare Fruit Growers
California Rare Fruit Growers, or CRFG, is a non-profit organization, with 22 chapters, including some outside of California, and members from every continent except Antarctica, CFRG is the largest amateur fruit growing organization in the world. It was instrumental in significantly establishing the fig growing hobby in the US, including the Giorgio Grassi Fig Collection/Italian Numbered fig collection.
- Calyptriform
Shaped like a calyptra or cap.
- Calyx
The sepals of each flower within the fig, forming a whorl that encloses the ovary.
- Capitule
- Caprification
Pollination of female fig types (Common, San Pedro, and Smyrna) from male Caprifigs. The only known natural means of this process is via the fig wasp. Caprification is required for smyrna fig types, and the main crop of the san pedro fig type. The common fig type does not require caprification, but some common fig varieties benefit from caprification, producing larger, and/or more flavorful figs. Caprification is also required for the production of viable seeds for germination.
- Caprifig Fig Type
A male fig tree that produces the pollen necessary for the caprification of female figs.
- Caudate
With a slender, tail-like appendage.
- Cauliflorous
Flowers or fruits on a trunk or stem.
- Cauline
Of or belonging to a stem.
- Celeste Fig Family
One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called Celeste Type. Very popular in the south and one of the most used varieties for breeding.
- Cenocarp
A hollow, seedless drupelet. Created through the development of the ovary of a flower without pollination and fertilization.
- Chance Seedling
In common botanical terms, it is simply, "a young plant, especially one raised from seed and not from a cutting". However, among the fig community, the seedling (or "chance seedling") term carries the idea that a completely new fig variety, with its own unique genetics, is created when grown from seed. This applies to either natural selection (wild fig trees) or human breeding. Such fig varieties then deserve their own unique name. In botany, the actual term that may be more accurate is "ortet": the original plant from which the members of a clone have descended. In contrast, see Unknown.
- Chartaceous
Papery.
- Chicago Hardy Fig Family
One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called Mt Etna Type, and some prefer to use the Hardy Chicago variety name in place of Mt Etna. The Mt Etna, or Hardy Chicago, Family of figs is one of the most discussed within the fig community. It's cold hardiness, good flavor, ease of rooting and growth, and high availability make it suitable for just about any fig lover.
- Chimera
The change in the structure of a gene, resulting in a variant form that may be transmitted to subsequent generations, caused by the alteration of single base units in DNA, or the deletion, insertion, or rearrangement of larger sections of genes or chromosomes.
In botany, a sport or bud sport, traditionally called lusus, is a part of a plant that shows morphological differences from the rest of the plant. Sports may differ by foliage shape or color, flowers, fruit, or branch structure. The cause is generally thought to be a chance genetic mutation.
Wikipedia "Sport" Article - Chiswick
A collection of fig varieties introduced into the US in the late 19th and early 20th century from England.
- Ciliate
Bordered by hairs.
- Cimaruoli Crop
The second main crop of figs that occurs in autumn. Sometimes called "second main crop", "fall crop", or "autumn crop".
- Classic Fig Variety
With the increasing popularity of figs, there are now also an increasing number of new, "hot" fig varieties. Sometimes these new, unproven, and possibly smyrna fig type varieties can fetch hundreds, or even over a thousand dollars. Classic varieties have withstood the test of time. They have proven to be solid fig varieties that can be obtained for much lower prices than the latest craze of fig varieties. An heirloom fig variety has been passed down through generations of fig growers through clonal propagation. Some suggest a variety must be at least 50 years old to hold this title, others, longer.
- Classification
Systematic study of individuals; classification.
- Col de Dame Fig Family
One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called Col de Dame Type. "Neck/Collar of the Lady" is also known as Coll de Dama (CdD for short) and other variants. CdD varieties are easily recognized by their distinctive necks. Additional varieties which may not demonstrate this neck feature may also be included due to the flavor and texture profile of the variety being similar to CdD. Unlike most of the fig families, the Coll de Dama Family includes varieties of many colors, including variegated. Due to the many variations of spelling, it is often referred to as the CdD Fig Family.
Read More - Columbaro Nero Fig Family
Or sometimes called the Columbaro Nero Fig Family. One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called Sal's Corleone Type.
- Common Fig Type
A female fig variety that produces one or more crops which do not require caprification (pollination) via the fig wasp or manually by hand in order to produce edible figs. View the What Is A Common Type Fig? page for more details.
- Condit Monograph
Fig Varieties: A Monograph by Ira J. Condit. Published in Hilgardia, A Journal of Agricultural Science Published by the California Agricultural Experiment Station, Vol 23, No 11, February, 1955. It was the most comprehensive resource for fig varieties at the time and is still an excellent encyclopedia on Ficus carica varieties.
- Convolute
Rolled up lengthwise.
- Cordate
Heart-shaped at base.
- Coriaceous
Leathery.
- Crackling
Superficial fig splitting, limited to the epidermis. Unlike splitting, which divides and opens the syconium to water and insect damage, crackling can often occur without much, if any, damage to the fig. It is often quite beautiful.
- Crenate
With rounded or blunt teeth.
- CRFG
California Rare Fruit Growers, or CRFG, is a non-profit organization, with 22 chapters, including some outside of California, and members from every continent except Antarctica, CFRG is the largest amateur fruit growing organization in the world. It was instrumental in significantly establishing the fig growing hobby in the US, including the Giorgio Grassi Fig Collection/Italian Numbered fig collection.
- Cull
The selective removal of a single tree or complete variety from one's fig tree collection. See the Culling Fig Varieties page for our culled fig varieties.
- Cultivar
A fig variety that has been cultivated through selective breeding.
- Cuneate
Wedge-shaped.
- Cuspidate
Apex with cusp or sharp point.
- Cytology
Science of cells.