Hi,

I was actually able to get my Kadota figs to ripen for the first time in four years.  I did notice a few weird figs that looked to have some point stubbles at the eye of the fig, for lack of a better description. Could they be male figs ? The rest of the figs from the same branch had a normal open eye without any "stubbles" protruding out.

I have attached some photos and also some photos of the same figs open.  They don't seem like male figs because the skin is relatively thin.  Has anybody seen this before?



 

 

It was my understanding that the only male figs are Calimyrna's?

Masterful,

If your fig is a Kadota (it looks like) may be it had a difficult ripening time, weather most probably, rain, some insect's intrusion (not the wasp!) , etc..that could make the fig look as you see it.
My understanding is that it is not a male fig. Kadota is a Common (persistant) cultivar.

Tami,

Calymirna is not a male fig. While Kadota is a Persistent type, fully parthenocarpic,
Calymirna is a Caducous (or Smyrna type fig) this meaning that it needs help from the 'male' or Caprifig's wasp to ripe its fruit
That help comes in the form of fertile pollen brought every mid June, by the wasp into the Calymirna insides full of female flowers anxious to get that pollen.

If you had some spare time to read, have a look on this very good paper with many avenues for fig related subjects, all very interesting

http://waynesword.palomar.edu/pljun99b.htm

Francisco

Francisco,
I had a look at the paper and swear someone wrote it in Greek! I understand when you explain but the paper just confused me.
Thank you for setting me straight, I've learned so much from you.