150 URTICACE^E 



114. FICUS. FIG, N.F. 



FIG 



The partially dried fruit of Fi'cus car'ica Linn6 (Fam. Moraceae, U.S.P. 1900). 



BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS. A small tree with palmately lobed, cordate leaves. 

 Flowers monoecious, inclosed within a pear-shaped receptacle which converges 

 so as to leave only a small orifice at the apex; style single; stigmas 2. 



HABITAT. Levant; cultivated extensively in the Mediterranean Basin and 

 subtropical regions. 



FIG. 64. Ficus carica Branch and fruit. 



COLLECTION. Figs are either left on the tree to dry or are dried after being 

 gathered by artificial heat or the heat of the sun, and in this condition are 

 called "natural figs," or they are rendered pliant by pulling and kneading. 

 They are then packed in boxes or drums and known as "pulled figs." The 

 largest and best are those of Smyrna and Turkey, the best Smyrna being 

 known as " Eleme figs." The largest amount is imported from Asiatic Turkey, 

 and the remainder from Spain, Portugal, and other countries. 



DESCRIPTION OF DRUG. Figs come into market compressed, and covered with 

 an efflorescence of sugar which melts in warm weather and makes them soft 

 and moist. They are yellowish or brownish, somewhat translucent, and 



