Ficus

The fig genus is in the mulberry family (Moraceae) and includes about 850 species, ranging from trees and shrubs to vines, epiphytes and hemiepiphytes. They are found throughout tropical regions and into warmer temperate zones. Only two species are widely cultivated for their fruits, the common fig being the most popular. The genus name, Ficus, is Latin and means fig.

Due to the great variation in the genus, the description and growing needs vary greatly. Most figs are evergreen but a few are deciduous. Most can be propagated by seed or vegetatively by cuttings, layering and grafting.

All figs have a unique reproductive system. The urn-shaped inflorescence has tiny flowers that develop inside the fruit, which is accessible to the fig wasp through a small hole in the fruit's apex. The wasp pollinates the flowers and lays its eggs inside, creating a mutually beneficial system. Many figs have both male and female flowers inside the inflorescence but a few have separate male and female plants.

Even though many figs are not widely cultivated, they are important to their ecosystem and provide food for humans, birds, insects, bats and other mammals. They are often host plants to butterflies, moths and beetles.

The common fig is often grown in gardens for its delicious fruits. Other species are grown as house plants and bonsai.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Watch for spider mites, scale and mealybugs. Diseases include anthracnose, bacterial diseases and root rot.