Fig, Rochester Bestiary, c.1230
Folio
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.
Transcription
Translation
arboribus. Nam ter quaterque singulis annis generat
The fig tree is said to be fruitful, and the more ferocious of all trees. For three or four times each year it produces
Hinc et carice a copia dicuntur. ficus egyptia fecun-
dior fertur. cuius lignum in aquam missum; continuo mer-
gitur et cum in limo aliquandiu iacuerit; demum
in superficiem sustollitur. cum econtrario deberet secundum soli-
tum cursum nature. enatare. et madefactum ex-
pondere humoris mergere. Olim athlete ficis ale-
bantur; antequam pitagoras transtulisset eos ad usus
carnium; que fortior cibus sunt. Ficus enim ceteris fruc-
tibus laudabilior ac nutribilior est. Ficus sepius in ci-
bum sumpta; rugas distendit. Tauri ferocissimi
ad ficus arborem colligati; mansuescere dicuntur.
Ficus fructus humiditatis causa; grossos generat hu-
mores. Natura eius calida et sicca. Ficus mixta frondi-
bus papaueris silvestris; ossa fracta vulneribus eli-
cit. Ficus calorem extinguit. situm aufert. provocat
sudorem. pediculos generat;
fruit, and in one ripening; the other is wooded. Hence the sycamore is said to be abundant, the Egyptian fig being more fruitful, the wood of which is sent into the water; he immediately drowns, and when he has lain for some time in the mud; at length it is raised to the surface, when on the contrary it ought, according to the usual course of nature, to float, and sink when exposed to moisture. Once the athlete was fed with figs; before Pythagoras had transferred them to the use of flesh; which are stronger food. For the fig tree is more praiseworthy and nutritious than other fruits. The fig is often taken as food; stretches the wrinkles The most ferocious bulls tied to a fig tree; they are said to become tame. Fig fruits cause moisture; generates gross fluids. Its nature is hot and dry. A fig mixed with the leaves of a wild poppy; he elicits broken bones from his wounds. The fig extinguishes the heat, removes the site, provokes perspiration, and generates lice.