so i have heard, out of so many figs at USDA/UCD, Black Madeira, Ischis Black, and Barnissotte are 3 top notch figs to have if it will grow in your area.

i was able to get all 3 from USDA/UCD this yr. last yr, i only received Black Madeira.

both yr, i only received 1 cutting of each. i assume that is due to large demand and short supply.

out of 3, Black Madeira has been a good grower for both yr. last yr, I cut the cuttings into 3 and all survived. this yr, i cut the cutting into 2, and only one made it.

Ischia Black, i cut that into 2 and only one made it. but it's growing faster than the Black Madeira, but not as healthy. it's growing better than i expected, but still the leaves are all spotted. not sure that's due to the FMV/FMD or due to all sort of mistakes i have been making along with less than ideal weather this yr.

Barnissotte on the other hand is not doing much at all. it's growing, and it's putting out new leaves. leaves do not show much of FMV/FMD, but it's growing so slow it's still only about 4" tall.

i have read few post regarding Barnissotte and some rate is as high as Black Madeira. hope it survives and give better growth next yr.

Thanks for posting this, I am considering to get this from USDA/UCD next year. Looking forward to hearing more about how it does.

Hey Pete,

I have a UCDavis Barnissotte that I started from a cutting back in 2010.  I found that it's health was very fragile when young.  A couple of times I thought I had killed it, but i t managed to bounce back both times.  Once it gets some size and gets established it is much healthier and does pretty well.  But even once it is larger and established it still is not as vigorous as some other varieties.  It has large fruit that are very tasty.  It is not quite as good as Black Madeira in my opinion, but it certainly is an excellent tasting fig.  The fruit is purple.  It has a closed eye unlike many reports about it on the internet that the eye is open.  The interior is dark amber most of the time, though some fruit are red in the interior as well.  The flavor is unique compared to other figs I have tasted.  Its definitely worth having patience with this one.  Hope yours does well.