Posted on Leave a comment

Wild fig – how to identify wild figs and prepare for food

Wild mountain fig tree in Iran

Wild figs (Ficus species)

Collectively known as “wild fig trees” or “wild figs”, there are nearly 1,000 species of Ficus ranging from woody trees to shrubs and vines.  Most are of the “strangler” variety, with aerial root systems, and hence easy to identify.  The sticky seeds are spread by birds to other trees, where they germinate high on the branches of their neighbors, sending numerous roots to the ground.  Their snakelike, aerial roots grow downward from the limbs forming a huge surface root spreading in all directions with an aggressiveness that literally strangles the other tree.  Eventually, the roots thicken and harden, forming a woody envelope around the other tree.  The strangled tree eventually dies, sometimes leaving a hollow cylinder inside the Wild Fig tree.

How to identify Wild fig trees

Typically, these trees have alternate, simple leaves with entire margins but leaf shape can vary from oval to lobed (finger-leaf with broad, round, finger-like shape, typically three or five lobes per leaf). Often, the leaves are dark green and shiny, with the vein starting at the base running more steeply toward the tip of the leaf than the other veins.

All figs have large quantities of white to yellowish, milky, sticky sap that sometimes oozes from open wounds in the smooth, gray bark. Twigs often have circular scars.  Wild Fig has no blossoms on the tree.  The fruits (which are actually the flowers of the tree) vary in size depending on the species but are enclosed in an urn-like structure lined on the inside with the fig’s tiny flowers.  The fruit is oval or pear-shaped and is usually yellow-brown when ripe, with small flowers (i.e., the crunchy seeds) lining the inside wall. The skin of the fruit is thin and tender, and the fleshy wall is usually pink, rose, or pale yellow.  Ripe figs usually fall off the tree.

Where to Find Wild Fig trees

Wild figs are plants of the tropics and semi-tropics, but their aggressive growth has allowed them to spread to other parts of the world. They grow in several different habitats, including dense forests, margins of forests, and around human settlements but prefer dry and sunny locations with porous soil for optimal growth. Wild figs are believed to be one of the earliest fruit trees cultivated by humans. Here are some places where you might find wild figs:

Wild fig trees in wooded areas

Wild figs are often found in wooded areas, especially those with a lot of undergrowth. Look for them in the shade of trees, near streams, or other water sources. If you are in a region with a tropical climate, look in the dense forests. Figs in such areas are usually found on the branches of trees or on the trunks.

Wild fig trees in Mediterranean regions

Wild figs are common in Mediterranean regions, such as Italy, Greece, and Turkey. They are often found growing on rocky hillsides or in abandoned fields. Figs are also a common sight in the mountains of these regions. They grow on rocky slopes and cliffs.

Wild fig trees in coastal areas

Figs grow well in coastal areas, and you may find them growing near beaches or in dunes. Figs are also commonly found in mangrove forests in coastal areas. The trees grow in the brackish water of the swamps and produce fruits that are highly sought after by the locals.

Wild fig trees in gardens and parks

Some varieties of figs, such as the common fig, are often planted in gardens and parks. Check with local botanic gardens or parks to see if they have any fig trees. If you are in an urban area, you can also look for fig trees in abandoned lots or on the roadside.

Edible Parts of Wild Fig trees

Wild figs can be eaten either raw or cooked, with the option of washing and peeling the raw fruit. Drying figs of this edible plant is an excellent preservation method.

While some figs may lack flavor, others are undeniably delicious. Additionally, wild figs are well-known for their medicinal properties, proven to alleviate stomach aches and skin diseases. They are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, and calcium.

Note: The milky sap substance can irritate the skin.

Other uses for Wild figs

Wild fig trees are versatile and have various benefits aside from producing delicious fruits. Here are some of them.

Using Wild Figs for Medicinal Purposes

The bark of wild fig trees has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. Compounds present in the bark have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The bark can be boiled and used to treat different ailments such as respiratory infections, diarrhea, and dysentery. The fruit of the wild fig tree is also rich in fiber and can help alleviate constipation.

Using Wild Figs as Livestock Feed

Wild fig tree leaves are an excellent source of nutrition for livestock, as they are rich in nutrients. They help improve animal health and productivity. The fruit and bark of the tree can also be used as animal feed, making wild fig trees an ideal source of food for livestock, especially in areas where food sources are limited.

Using Wil Fig Trees for Timber

The wood of wild fig trees is strong and durable. It is a great option for building furniture, tools, and other wooden items. The wood is also resistant to decay, making it ideal for outdoor applications such as fencing, decking, and pergolas. Wild fig trees are also grown specifically for timber production, as the wood is highly valued by furniture makers and artisans.

Using Wild Fig Trees for Shade

Wild fig trees have large canopies that make them ideal for outdoor spaces such as gardens and parks, where people can relax and enjoy the cool breeze. The shade provided by wild fig trees can also help reduce heat stress in animals and humans, making them ideal in areas with hot climates. In addition, the fruit of the wild fig tree can also be used to make refreshing beverages.

Wild Fig Trees are Good for Soil Conservation

Wild fig trees have deep roots that help prevent soil erosion. Therefore, they are often planted in areas that are prone to erosion to help stabilize the soil. The fallen leaves of wild fig trees can also help improve soil fertility, as they decompose and release nutrients into the soil. Wild fig trees can also be used in agroforestry systems to improve soil health and productivity.

Wild Figs Picture Identification Guide

  • Wild mountain fig tree in Iran
  • Wild fig tree with fruits emerging
  • Wild Figs of Ficus carica cultivar Panascè in two-toned yellow-green bands
  • Figs on a wild fig tree
  • Leaves and immature fruit of common Wild Figs
  • Bud of Wild Fig Tree Ficus carica L.
  • Fruits of common wild fig – whole and halved
  • Inner Wild Figs
  • Calabrian "Schiocca" of dried Wild figs
  • Sliced Wild Figs in a market
  • Dried Wild Figs
  • Ficus wild fig tree plant

Image Credits

In-Article Image Credits

Bud of Wild Fig Tree Ficus carica L. via Wikimedia Commons by Etienne with usage type - Creative Commons License. April 10, 2010
Leaves and immature fruit of common Wild Figs via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License. May 31, 2010
Calabrian "Schiocca" of dried Wild figs via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License
Wild Figs of Ficus carica cultivar Panascè in two-toned yellow-green bands via Wikimedia Commons by Axel Rohde Elias with usage type - Creative Commons License. November 11, 2009
Inner Wild Figs via Wikimedia Commons by Eric Hunt with usage type - Creative Commons License. August 27, 2005
Sliced Wild Figs in a market via Wikimedia Commons by Manjit Singh with usage type - Creative Commons License. October 21, 2022
Dried Wild Figs via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Public Domain. May 7, 2007
Ficus wild fig tree plant via Plant Illustrations by C.J. Trew with usage type - Public Domain
Fruits of common wild fig – whole and halved via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License. February 4, 2022
Figs of Ficus carica cultivar tree via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License. November 11, 2009
Figs on a wild fig tree via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License. November 20, 2016
Ficus bud via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License. April 10, 2010
Wild mountain fig tree in Iran via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License. January 1, 2000
Wild fig tree with fruits emerging via Flickr by Steve Slater with usage type - Creative Commons License. April 21, 2012
via Wikimedia Commons by Trew, C.J with usage type - Public Domain. 1771

Featured Image Credit

Wild mountain fig tree in Iran via Wikimedia Commons with usage type - Creative Commons License. January 1, 2000

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *