The flowers of the fig tree: a phenomenon of nature

Content

• The flowers of the fig tree: a phenomenon of nature
• Well protected inflorescences
• Wasp and fig - an inseparable symbiosis
• Figs that are not dependent on pollination
• So you can distinguish the figs in three main ways:
• Tips & Tricks

The flowers of the fig tree: a phenomenon of nature

Fig trees, unlike many well-known fruit trees, do not form outwardly visible flowers. The numerous small inflorescences are in three to five centimeters large, spherical shoots and represent a species-specific feature of the fig.

Earlier article Planting fig trees - you must pay attention to these points Next article Fig trees: Tips for the correct cut

Well protected inflorescences

This flower form arises because the inflorescence axis of the fig grows ring-shaped upward. The many small single flowers thrive on the inside of this axis cup. At the top of the inflorescence remains a small opening. This is loosely closed by bracts. If the fig is ripened, the leaves form and close the fruit almost completely.

If you open a ripe fig, you will see numerous tiny nutlets surrounded by the tasty pulp. Each core is an independent stone fruit, which has formed from one of the small flowers.

Wasp and fig - an inseparable symbiosis

The real fig is monoecious getrenntsexlechtig and forms both male and female flowers. These figs are fertilized by the two to three millimeter fig fig wasp. The animal lays its eggs in the male ovary of the flowers and lives there during the larval stage. When hatching, the female gall wasps absorb the pollen. They carry him in search of a suitable place for the egg-laying in the female fruit stands of the fig tree.

Due to the complicated flower biology of the fig, the wasp can lay their eggs exclusively in the male flowers. From the fertilized female flowers develop the aromatic fruits.

Figs that are not dependent on pollination

Since the fig-gall wasp is native only south of the Alps, figs in our latitudes can only be cultivated, since the offspring succeeded of fig trees, which bear fruits without cross-pollination. The flowers form depending on the variety and location up to three times a year on annual timber.

So you can distinguish the figs in three main ways:

Tips & Tricks

Wild forms of figs from the Mediterranean region do not produce any fruit in our latitudes. Therefore, do not spend your holiday digging out a fig tree as a souvenir. This will save you the disappointment of cultivating a fig that will never bear fruit.