The fig tree (siġra tat-tin) is known by the scientific name of Ficus carica. This common tree is found growing in all types of environments ranging from valleys to rock fissures and even disturbed habitats and bastions. It is thought that this small- to medium-sized tree was introduced in ancient times because of its edible – and rather delicious – fruit.

Although this well-known tree with twisting branches may exceed 10 metres in height, it is usually more wide than tall. Its stems and branches, which are smooth and slender, usually produce a white sap when wounded – this unfortunately being an irritant to the human skin. Its large leaves resemble an open hand and its flowers are small and enclosed in a fleshy, pear-shaped pouch with a small opening at the tip, which is commonly referred to as the fig fruit. The fig is pollinated by a specific wasp which reaches the flowers through the opening in the “fruit”.

Depending on the varieties, the common fig can produce fruits in different periods of the year. Different crops may be produced: Large early figs (bajtar) appear before or along the foliage; the true figs (tin) are borne on the young wood and these are followed by the late figs (tin imwaħħar).

The edible fig is one of the first plants that was cultivated by man and has many uses. Figs can be eaten fresh or dried and are also used in the making of jam, cooling drinks and sorbets. The fruit is also a rich source of calcium and fibre.

More information may be obtained by e-mail: nature.requests@mepa.org.mt.

The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. Malta, together with many other countries around the globe, is carrying out a number of initiatives to celebrate life on earth and the value of biodiversity for our lives. We are all invited to take action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of life on earth: Biodiversity.