It is a bit off topic but still fig related!

I went to a local park over the weekend and stumbled upon a huge Sycamore fig. I only have seen it on a TV before. It is quite an impressive tree, full of ripe and ripening small figs. It was buzzing because of the insects and birds who were having a feast! 
Enjoy! 

There is another one somewhere in Balboa Park SD; CA.
Some FF people have bee looking for it for years...

Wow! For years?? Well, I know where is this one exactly and it is not in San Diego, it's near LA.
It doesn't look edible. What would you do with it?

Let the fruit ripen and then taste it for one thing  ...
... cuttings may also be an option?

Ficus sycomorus is not hardy and a mature tree may not fit in an average backyard garden.

very impressive

This does require a wasp correct?  I always hear that it is a delicious fig but as mentioned it is not hardy so I don't imagine many people have grown in the americas.

We have wasps over here so if the tree needs some, they are always available.
I may try the fruit next time I am there but the park entrance fee is $6 ...
Will need to find at least one more reason to go.

Very nice, thanks for sharing.

Best,
Tam

There is one in Hawaii at Waimea Falls park. I tasted one, but it wasn't memorable.

The fig I tried to open was kind of dry, not looking tasty or juicy at all. I didn't taste it, sorry.
If there are some more human edible Sycamore figs, this probably is not it. The birds seemed to really like the figs but they eat everything here so this is not a measure of a fruit tastiness, I am afraid.
Maybe someone with more knowledge on this subject add more? ...

This tree was interesting to me because is was huge and it was a fig and I've never seen it in person and I could share its photos with you.

The sycamore fig is a wonderful tree.. but there are more varieties than we think. The ones growing in Africa are very cold sensitive. There are however many trees growing in Israel, Lebanon, and Syria that will survive the frost with no problem. The ones I tasted in Lebanon were red and seedless, which may suggest no pollination was done? 
I have two types one that was grown from a seed that I was told was from Africa, I also have one large one that was grown from cutting of a tree that originated in Israel. 

Cuttings I've shipped to Trinidad had strived and within a few months the tree was about 6 ft. tall. 

'BONSAI COLLECTIBLES' list this species....$25.00 - $35.00.  Photos of plants on web-site.  Call, and ask for larger specimens.

I have ordered many plants (bonsai material) from these wonderful people.


Frank

Frank,
Thank you for the site. I was clicking on the Ficus specimens and discovered a fig that is growing 5 min from my house that I thought was a caprifig but in fact is a totally different species. Its leaves look exactly like in the Ficus Palmeri photo,  the height is about 3 story high:

http://www.bonsai-collectables.com/Ficus%20palmeri.jpg

I learned something today! Thanks again.

Greenfig:

You're welcome, and...thank's for providing the link to: 'Bonsai Collectibles'.    I don't know how to do this on the computer.  sorry.

Ficus palmieri, and Ficus petiolaris.....variations on the same theme.  Both produce a caudex, i.e. a succulent, water-storing base/trunk.  There are some others species of Fig that produce a caudex, but, they are a little more difficult to find.


Frank