135037 Fig Ficus carica (Moraceae) HEIGHT to 5m
Deciduous tree with distinctive fruits and leaves. BARK Pale grey, smooth, sometimes with finer lines. BRANCHES Thick, forming a spreading domed crown. LEAVES Alternate, to 20cm long, on a 5–10cm petiole; deeply lobed, usually in 3 segments, sometimes 5. Feel rough and leathery with prominent veins on underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are hidden, produced inside pear-like fleshy receptacle that is almost closed at apex. This ripens in second year into a familiar fleshy, sweet-tasting fig. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to SW Asia, possibly also S and E Europe. Long cultivated in Britain, thriving in walled gardens
