Ciao Amici,

I will be expecting cuttings of this variety soon, I have a something to say and also questions about this particular variety.

Just so people here know, when this particular variety is listed on my website, I will refer to this variety as Melanzana MS, just so everyone knows and there is no confusion, to the regular Melanzana. I wanted to post here so you all know what I am talking about when reference to this fig. The name of this fig has become somewhat of a joke, but when I list it on my own particular site, the reason for the abbreviation is very simple. I don't want my customers to see such a fowl name attached to a fig, particularly because it is not the best language to use. Most of my customers speak Italian and if they were to see it written out as such, they may feel uncomfortable with the profanity. Granted, we are pretty open and expressive people, but I don't feel its appropriate to be written in public, because there are people who will understand what it means. This is what I am doing, I am entitled to run my site and business how I see fit. If enquiries are made about the abbreviation, it will be explained to them the best I can. Merda(o)=M Scola=S

My question...  How did this variety get this name. Spoke to a fig partner in Italia yesturday, we chatted a while, he said Melanzana of course was  known. Melanzana in Italian of course means eggplant. But, how did the other more offense name get attached. Also, the two Melanzana figs are very different looking.

Also, this fruit is apparently very tasty from what I have been told. If anyone has information, please share about this if you can please, I am very curious. Melanzana MS obviously has its start in Europe, IT,, but I wonder how this name came to be. Was it found someplace that wasn't very well thought of, scola, would imply school,,, Its weird. I know of another fig in Italy as well with a derrogatory name attached, it is known as Pope's tes---les, which many people don't want to even touch given the name.  

I am obviosly missing something on both sides of the seas. Ciao

Hi

Melanzana MS was formerly listed as a variety called "Sacha" on Adriano's website. At the advice of a close acquaintance and fig afficianado, the fig "Sacha" was later identified as being the "Melanzana MS" variety and Adriano labeled it accordingly. As far as the origen of the fig and as to why it was named this way remains in question.
The tree is very vigorous and mosaic resistant. I have rooted airlayers off this tree in two weeks! The leaves are long lobed and brunswick in appearance. The fruit is a large, solid, meaty fig that is semi-sweet but with a nice flavor when fully ripe. The figs don't split and they don't sour under moist conditions. It by no means tastes like the name implies. But then again, I wouldn't know!

It could have been a town or province where this fig came from

good point sal, It must not be on the map anymore from being changed maybe? I found the article interesting. It is very true, some of the towns have very terrible names.

Even here in Pennsylvania, there are strange crazy names, which are great tourist attractions, especially near lancaster and Harrisburg area.

Edited/deleted my last post as Sal's explaination is not one I considered, but I like it now that I think about it. Very interesting.

Hi!
Please, let me know the name of the web you will post this cuttings..
I will like to get them..
Thank you very much!

Here are photos of Melanzana MS. The 3rd and 4th pics are comparing it to Atreano:

Ciao Leon, What big fig!! beautiful pics, I always enjoy your pictures. Grazie!

I received this fig as Melanzana and it has two colors of figs on the branches. One large fig is growing on old wood and a cluster of figs growing on new growth on top of the branch.
This fig is one year old in pot. Is it normal to have such a contrast in color and size ?

 
 
 

Some figs turn purple or yellow when exposed to the sun.