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Description: Ficus carica, the Common or Edible Fig, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow to about 5-10 m (15-30 ft) in height with roots that are not adventitious (i.e., this fig species does not have free-hanging aerial roots that originate in the branches and undergo secondary thickening before they reach the soil). The bark of F. carica is grayish and slightly course. Its leaves are about 15-30 cm (6-12 in) both in length and width, more or less cordate in shape; the leaves are also palmate with 3-5 lobes, develop distinct venation, and have surfaces that are rough and hairy on both upper and lower side; and notably, the leaf lobes are more or less deeply cut, half way or three-fourths. The compound “fruit” (a cluster of ingrowing flowers) of F. carica, like other fig species is a synconia (a fleshy receptacle); and, in the case of this fig species, the synconia is solitary, sessile, green, yellow, or red-purple.
Distribution: The origins of the ancient domesticated Common Fig, Ficus carica, still remain uncertain. Some scholars have noted that its Latin epithet (specific) name, carica, refers to the location “Caria in Asia Minor [in southwest Asia] which is supposedly the home of the fig” (Neal 1965, Dehgan 1998).” Thus, it has been asserted that the F. carica originated in Western Asia and spread to the Mediterranean by humans. Hirst (2015) recently summarized new archaeological evidence that reveals a very ancient ethnobotanical cultivation connection between humans and edible figs, among the oldest of domesticated plant species:
“The archaeological evidence recovered from the early Neolithic sites of Gilgal, Netiv Haghdad, Jericho and Gesher in the Jordan Valley and from Mureybet in the Euphrates Valley are of parthenocarpic figs, figs undisturbed by wasp embryos, and therefore, figs which had to be propagated by human beings. On that basis, say the authors, incipient horticulture of fig trees by humans began in the greater Mediterranean region by at least 11,400 years ago” [see Kislev et al. 2006].
Essentially, Ficus carica is a temperate species native to southwest Asia and the Mediterranean region (i.e., from Afghanistan to Portugal). Over time, F. carica became a significant world crop. Its fruits can be consumed raw, dried, canned, or in other preserved forms. Deliciously sweet and with a multifaceted texture, figs are both a nutritious food delicacy and a significant symbol in religion and culture. A festive “fruit” it has long been associated “with Christmas since the time of Charles Dickens - not to mention Dionysus or the Garden of Eden - the fig is steeped in history.” Major producers of edible figs include Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Spain, Greece, California, Italy, Brazil and other countries with areas that have typically mild winters and hot dry summers (Tous and Ferguson 1996; also see Sutton 2014). The potential medicinal use of F. carica has been summarized by Mawa et al. (2013):
“Its fruit, root, and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as gastrointestinal (colic, indigestion, loss of appetite, and diarrhea), respiratory (sore throats, coughs, and bronchial problems), and cardiovascular disorders and as anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic remedy…. Phytochemical studies on the leaves and fruits of the plant have shown that they are rich in phenolics, organic acids, and volatile compounds. However, there is little information on the phytochemicals present in the stem and root. Reports on the biological activities of the plant are mainly on its crude extracts which have been proven to possess many biological activities. Some of the most interesting therapeutic effects include anticancer, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antimicrobial activities. Thus, studies related to identification of the bioactive compounds and correlating them to their biological activities are very useful for further research to explore the potential of F. carica as a source of therapeutic agents.”
General Uses of the Common Fig: The fruit Ficus carica is eaten fresh, dried in confectionery, brewed as an alcoholic beverage or used as a laxative. In addition, it is a source of calcium, sugar, iron, copper, carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin A. The leaves of F. carica are used as potherbs or fed to domesticated animals; they are also dried and sometimes used to make a tea. Moreover, this relatively small fig tree is grown in some places for shade and has value in the ornamental garden. In their medicinal review, Badgujar et al. (2014:1503) summarized recent therapeutic considerations of the use of this fig species:
“Ficus carica has emerged as a good source of traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as anemia, cancer, diabetes, leprosy, liver diseases, paralysis, skin diseases, and ulcers. It is a promising candidate in pharmaceutical biology for the development/formulation of new drugs and future clinical uses.”
Uses in Palau: Ripe fruits of the Common Fig, F. carica, are eaten in Palau when available, but it is not a common fruit collected by people.
Uses in Guam: More than a hundred years ago, Safford (1905:275) noted the environmental limitations that make it difficult to produce edible “fruits” of F. carica in many areas in Micronesia:
“The edible fig grows in Guam, but for some reason it does not thrive well and is not abundant. It sheds leaves in the cold season. It is very interesting to note that in Bengal, where the climate resembles that of Guam, its culture has not met with success.”
In the latter part of the 20th century, Stone (1970:250) noted that F. carica was only found in cultivation and still “not common.”
Uses in the Marshall Islands: Vande Velde (2003:109) noted that Ficus carica, known as “wōjke-piik ("fig tree")” was recently introduced to these low lying coral islands but is uncommon:
“Several trees were planted experimentally at Laura Farms, but none remain. About three fruit bearing trees at Amata Kabua's residence. One tree planted in settlement on Calalin Islet. Previously recorded by [Fosberg et al. 1979] on Jaluit, but did not survive.”
Uses in Kiribati: St. John and Fosberg (1937) reported that Ficus carica was introduced and cultivated on the small relatively dry Flint Island in the Line group, now part of the Republic of Kiribati. A couple of decades later, Catala (1957:94) commented on the uncommon cultivated “Edible Fig” trees in Kiribati which were very rare and only found “in Mission gardens,” where they produced “excellent” fruits; Catala also suggested that the “Gilbertese [Kirbiti people] could probably obtain good fruit by giving the trees the same care as to breadfruit.” More recently, Wester (1985:20) indicated that F. carica had also been introduced and was being cultivated on Tabuaeran (Fanning) Atoll and Teraina (Washington) Island, both in the Line group. Thaman (1990) noted that in Kiribati, F. carica is “occasionally planted around villages and personal gardens where the ripe fruits are picked and eaten.”