Fig Tree

The Fig Tree (Ficus carica) is a small, falling-leaf tree of the Moraceae family. Its cultivation is widespread in the city of Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the private farms and gardens. It is a wild, fruitful, and medicinal plant. It is native to the Mediterranean basin, tropical areas, and sub-Mediterranean areas.

The Fig Tree is fast-growing. It grows up to a height of fifteen m and extends around twelve m. Its leaves are rough and fall in winter, while its stem is short and massive. Among its extending branches, it features silver bark. It produces small, sweet, pear-shaped, and edible fruits of around eight cm. When ripe, these fruits turn yellow, green, and purple. The tree's flowers bloom into green buds of 0.5 cm from May until the end of June.

Fig Trees are cultivated in marginal lands. They cannot grow in saline or alkaline soil. They are bred by cutting, air layering, and propagation by suckers. Furthermore, they are tolerant of temperatures as low as twelve degrees below zero. They are also tolerant when exposed to sunlight and prolonged drought. However, they require good drainage systems, protection against winds, fair care, deep watering in summer, and minimal watering in winter. They are sensitive to abundant watering and resistant to urban environments. They are viable in an environment with an average salinity of three thousand parts per million. Fig Trees require pruning to maintain their shape.

Fig Trees are planted in public spaces and gardens. They may also be cultivated in planters and backyards. They are used in landscaping as a background or as a tree cover.