274 BOTANY OF CROP PLANTS 



possessing pistillate flowers (mammoni) and those without 

 pistillate flowers (profichi and mamme). The effects of 

 fertiUzation may be observed in comparing the behavior 

 of caprificated figs of the mammoni with the non-caprificated 

 ones of the profichi and mamme, or the non-caprificated ones 

 of the mammoni. 



Prior to fertilization, the figs of the two types are about 

 the same size. Caprificated figs become larger than those not 

 fertiHzed; they cling to the tree more tightly, the ribs are 

 more pronounced and the branches that bear them grow 

 more vigorously. 



As has been indicated, Smyrna figs must be caprificated 

 to bring about the development of the ovaries and seeds and 

 the proper ripening of the receptacle. The superiority of 

 Smyrna figs is due to the aromatic flavor of the seeds. 



The Mature Fruit.— The "fruit" of fig (Fig. io6) is termed 

 a synconium. This is a pear-shaped receptacle on a very 

 short stalk; the nutlets (true fruits), when present, are im- 

 bedded on the inside of the fleshy receptacle walls. At the 

 apex of the fig, is the "eye" or orifice of the receptacle. 

 The "neck" and "cheeks" (sides) of the fruit are marked by 

 a number of rings. The fruits vary widely as to size, form, 

 neck, stalk, ribs, eye, color of skin, color of pulp, seeds, 

 quality and growth. 



Geographical. — Ficus carica is considered to be a native 

 of southern Arabia. Some one or more of its different types 

 are now grown in most of the tropical and subtropical coun- 

 tries. The first figs brought into the United States were a 

 common edible type and were introduced into CaHfornia by 

 the Franciscan order of Mission Fathers. From CaHfornia, 

 they have spread and are now being cultivated in many of 

 the Southern States. Fig culture in the cooler sections of the 

 United States is very limited, and special care needs to be 



