One of my cuttings that is leafing out has a pleasantly perfumed scent coming from its small leaves. It's rather sweet and floral, maybe even fruity, and I've noticed it for a few days. It's made me think what amazing plants figs are, that even their new leaves can be scented!

Has anyone else noticed this on any of their baby fig plants?

I haven't.  What variety is it?  Any idea if they keep smelling like this when they mature?  Super interesting.

I noticed that last year on one of my varieties. It smells a bit like heaven.

Ronde de Bordeaux has the nicest smelling leaves to me so far.
The main one I recommend for folks who want to grow one indoors for the Winter up here in NH.

I've been thinking about the topic of scented leaves and plants....
During the '80's, believe it was, I grew some type of citrus tree from a seed, and its leaves were highly scented. I would rub them lightly between my fingers and sniff them. There seemed to be traces of scented oil that came from these leaves, even after they were fully grown.

And anyone who has grown tomato or geranium knows what a strong, unmistakable smell these plants have. Also the leaves of herbs such as thyme, basil, marjoram, parsley, rosemary, sage, spearmint, etc.

Each of these scents is very unique, but I would have to say I've never smelled anything similar to these tiny perfumed fig leaves.

LJ Figgy: I believe the citrus plant you are referring to is commonly known  as Kaffir Lime. I currently have two I have grown from seed. They are  a wonderful plant used in Thai and other asian cuisines.

I plan to get the Makrut Lime this summer.  Plan to use the leaves and the rind from the fruit. 

Thanksgiving I took choc. mint, bay, rosemary, citrus and pineapple mint.  I had envisioned it to be a special new experience for our young grandson.  Mostly is was a source of humor among the adults.  Oh well...

Many fig leaves can have a pleasant aroma, similar to coconut. I mostly notice it when the leaves are immature, but it often returns in the fall after the plant pulls most of the chlorophyll from the leaves. These are the leaves that I like to collect and dry in the fall for tea, they keep for over a year.
On the other hand, many fig trees also have leaves that smell like cat urine. Sometimes in the fall cat urine can mystically become coconut, crazy magic..who knew?

btw - I asked this same question last spring on OurFigs...
http://www.ourfigs.com/forum/figs-home/11970-do-you-sniff-your-cuttings

smatthew, that is an interesting thread on OurFigs... some of the responses were pretty comical, too. I would have to admit that I definitely sniff not only the leaves, but the cuttings themselves. And when I get fruit, will without a doubt- right along with admiring its appearance and taste!

My wife is not a fan of the leaf smell, but I love it.  Thus far my RDB, Olympian, Hardy Chicago, and Unknown Dark Greek from Navid (just got this one) have been the most aromatic.

Ah this must be the smell that candles, soaps, etc. are trying to copy. After reading about the healing properties of fig leaf tea, I have been making it with fresh and dried leaves. Wonderful. It is proported to help regulate blood sugar and be a stress reliever as well as antioxidant properties. Who knew???

They sure are working for me.  I am having such fun watching every little move my new lil figlets make.  A severe case of the fig bug for sure.  ;-)  

Supermario1, i'll have to try those out for scent when possible, and see how they compare with the LSU Purple! :)

Jodi, I'm a great advocate of natural healing with foods, and have seen nearly miraculous results in not only my own body, but in others lives, and also in my loved pets over the years. And as I've worked in animal rescue so long, there are many times their lives have absolutely been saved with nutrition, the right herbs, and supplements.

The health benefits you learned of from fig leaves are good to know, and to use....I think it's just wonderful that you are using the leaves already, as I will be as soon as mine are large enough.

You know, that scent really is a little similar to a natural, much better smelling version of those vanilla-type candles!

I had some cuttings that had scented wax used to seal the ends.
My humidity bin smelled a house of ill refute...lol

Oh yes to helping ourselves and the furr babies with loving energy, nourishing foods, etc. Even after teaching at a healing arts school for 15 years , I had no idea about all the amazing healing properties of the fig fruit, leaves, trees. It has just been since I met my figgy friend Daisy and her amazing IBT that this fig world has opened for me. I think LJfiggy you posted the link about all the fig magick. After I studied more about them I went looking for leaves in Phoenix where there are still green ones on the trees. The tea from the tree I found in Phx is incredible. ;-)

Pino:  LOL...LOL...ROFL...