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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- Main Crop
Often called the "main crop" or "summer crop", is the primary crop of figs that ripen from about mid-summer through early fall, as opposed to the earlier breba crop. Typically, the main crop is often of higher quality than the breba crop.
- Mamme Crop
The first or winter caprifig crop, maturing in California in early April.
Read More - Mammoni Crop
The third caprifig crop, maturing in late summer in California.
- Marcottage
Propagation by wrapping moss around branches still attached to tree. Often referred to within the fig community as "air layering".
- Mark Albert
Known for his comments on the Italian Numbered Varieties.
- Mávros
The color "black" or "dark" is often in the name of fig varieties and can be translated from:
- Catalan: Negre
- French: Noire (feminine); Noir (masculine)
- Greek: Mávros
- Italian: Nero
- Portuguese: preta (feminine); preto (masculine)
- Spanish: negra (feminine); negro (masculine)
- Turkish: siyah
- Mel
Honey is a flavor sometimes associated with some fig varieties and/or a term used for the nectar within a fig, which can ooze from the ostiole. Some varieties include “honey” in their names and can be translated from:
- Méli
Honey is a flavor sometimes associated with some fig varieties and/or a term used for the nectar within a fig, which can ooze from the ostiole. Some varieties include “honey” in their names and can be translated from:
- Catalan: Mel
- French: Miel
- Greek: Méli
- Hebrew: Dvsh
- Italian: Miele
- Portuguese: Mel
- Spanish: Miel
- Turkish: Bal
- Membranous
Thin and soft.
- Mesophyll
Middle soft cells of a leaf.
- Metamorphosis
A passing from one form or shape into another.
- Micropyle
Closed orifice of a seed.
- Miel
Honey is a flavor sometimes associated with some fig varieties and/or a term used for the nectar within a fig, which can ooze from the ostiole. Some varieties include “honey” in their names and can be translated from:
- Catalan: Mel
- French: Miel
- Greek: Méli
- Hebrew: Dvsh
- Italian: Miele
- Portuguese: Mel
- Spanish: Miel
- Turkish: Bal
- Miele
Honey is a flavor sometimes associated with some fig varieties and/or a term used for the nectar within a fig, which can ooze from the ostiole. Some varieties include “honey” in their names and can be translated from:
- Catalan: Mel
- French: Miel
- Greek: Méli
- Hebrew: Dvsh
- Italian: Miele
- Portuguese: Mel
- Spanish: Miel
- Turkish: Bal
- Monoecious
With male and female flowers separated on same plant.
- Monserrat Pons
Monserrat Pons, along with his nursery, and orchard by the same name, is a highly respected collector in the fig community. He is also the author of Fig Trees of the Balearic Islands. Many varieties with the MP or Pons suffix can be traced back to his orchard.
- Mother Tree
The parent tree from which cuttings are taken, or the root stock onto which scions are grafted.
- Mt Etna 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.
- Mucronate
Tipped abruptly with a sharp point.
- Mutation
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