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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- UCD
University of California, Davis: Fig varieties and/or strains considered to be from UCD often contain the UCD suffix. For example, Black Madeira (UCD). However, this is something of a misnomer, and not technically correct, since UCD does not actually have any fig trees. A plot of the UCD Wolfskill Experimental Orchard is leased to the USDA, which actually maintains its fig genetics repository there. So some have started replacing the UCD suffix with the more technically accurate USDA suffix. In the case of these identifying suffixes, they have become de facto synonyms.
- UCR
University of California, Riverside: The fig varieties which are from the UCR breeding program contain the UCR prefix. For example, UCR 143-36 is also known as Emerald Strawberry.
- Umbilicus
Visible part of ostiole at apex of fig receptacle.
- Umbonate
Bearing a boss or protuberance, which is commonly surmounted by a spine or projection.
- Undulate
Wavy-margined.
- Unifera
A fig variety that only produces a single main crop in the summer and early fall.
- United States Department of Agriculture
- University of California, Davis
University of California, Davis: Fig varieties and/or strains considered to be from UCD often contain the UCD suffix. For example, Black Madeira (UCD). However, this is something of a misnomer, and not technically correct, since UCD does not actually have any fig trees. A plot of the UCD Wolfskill Experimental Orchard is leased to the USDA, which actually maintains its fig genetics repository there. So some have started replacing the UCD suffix with the more technically accurate USDA suffix. In the case of these identifying suffixes, they have become de facto synonyms.
- University of California, Riverside
University of California, Riverside: The fig varieties which are from the UCR breeding program contain the UCR prefix. For example, UCR 143-36 is also known as Emerald Strawberry.
- Unknown
Unknown, or sometimes just "U". Often appended to a fig variety name as a prefix or suffix to identify a previously known variety (now lost or forgotten) as an unknown. Such varieties are often already grown widely under a known variety name, but a specific specimen has simply lost the widely known name. In botany, the a term that may be in part is "ramet": an independent member of a clone. Though an unknown could also be a "seedling", it cannot be certain. In contrast, see Seedling.
Read More - Un-lignified Cutting
A pervasive, but not entirely accurate term used within the fig community that refers to a soft, non-woody, or non-lignified cutting. Cuttings may actually be green, yet well-lignified. More accurate terms may be: Soft Cutting, Non-lignified Cutting, or Non-woody Cutting.
- Up-Pot
To transplant a fig tree to a larger growing container. "When do I up-pot my fig tree?" seems to be a popular question among newbies.
- Urceolate
Urn-shaped; globular, with an apex like an urn or pitcher.
- USDA