Fig
Fig trees are native to the tropical regions of both Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Fig trees are quite easy to recognize, many have aerial roots (above ground) and distinctive shape and fruits. There are approximately eight hundred and fifty species of fig tree, most are evergreen, but some deciduous species can be found in regions outside the tropics, and at higher levels.
The fruit of the fig tree, also known as a fig, is technically a cluster of flowers and seeds called an ""inflorescence"", contained within a tear shaped bulbous stem called a ""syconium"". Each fig is approximately 3-5cm long, with a green skin which ripens to purple or brown. The Figs have a unique pollination system which involves a specific species of wasp known as fig wasps. The Common Fig (Ficus Carica), is native to temperate regions from southwest Asia to the Mediterranean, and has been cultivated for it's fruit since ancient times. It grows to about three metres in height, with a spread of about four metres. Throughout the tropics, figs are of significant cultural importance both as objects of worship, and for their medicinal uses.
Historically, figs have been used in the treatment of numerous conditions including: indigestion, constipation, dysentery, and inflamed or ulcerated intestines. Figs also provide anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and natural laxative effects. Figs are a source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium, and the health benefits include, reducing high blood pressure, increasing bone density, and improving digestion.
Fig trees feature extensively in the folklore of civilisations and religions around the world. Some examples include: Adam and Eve clothed themselves with fig leaves, Romulus and Remus were saved from drowning in the River Tiber by the roots of a fig tree. In India, many Hindu deities are associated with fig trees; in one particular species of fig tree, the roots represent Brahma, the Creator, the leaves, Shiva the Destroyer, and the trunk, Vishnu the Preserver. There are numerous references to fig trees in the bible, some examples include:
Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.
Genesis 3.7
When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.
Hosea 9.10
Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30 as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near
Luke 21: 29-31
and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree drops its winter fruit when shaken by a gale.
Revelation 6:13
Many cultures have associated fig trees as symbols of fertility, prosperity, and abundance.
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