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rhopkins

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
I was told that when I purchased this tree it was a brown turkey.  I did not know a brown turkey produced such a large fruit.  I now question if this is such a variety.  Sure would like all the input as to what type this might be.  It is a ping pong ball size fig.  Thanks for all your input in advance.  Richard DSC_4269.jpg    

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Richard Hopkins South Western Arkansas Zone 8A Wish List: Keeping The Trees I Have Happy!
DesertDance

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
A shot with it cut open on it's leaf would help with ID.

Suzi
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Zone 9b, Southern California. "First year they sleep, Second year they creep, Third year they leap!"  Wish List:  I wish all of you happy fig collecting!  My wishes have been fulfilled!
rhopkins

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
Hi Suzi;

I will cut it and post a pic with a leaf this afternoon.  Enigma thanks for your input as well, I never had seen a brown turkey produce so I was in the dark.  This tree was tagged brown turkey at the nursery so I will assume that is the fact of the matter.  My other unknown is loaded with fruit but it is way behind this tree.  It looks like the end of August may get here before the fruit will ripen on that tree.  Richard
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Richard Hopkins South Western Arkansas Zone 8A Wish List: Keeping The Trees I Have Happy!
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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
Would you post a pic of the tree as well?   And....how are the figs?
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Dave
Verde Valley, AZ
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Hershell

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
It looks like I want one.
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Hershell Zone 8. Ray City, Ga.
rhopkins

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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
Hi Dave and Hershell;
I will post a pic of the leaf and the tree tomorrow.  I did not get home before dark so I missed out on getting the pics.  Hershell I have never seen such a big fig, and my wife said she can't wait to eat it!!!   Richard
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Richard Hopkins South Western Arkansas Zone 8A Wish List: Keeping The Trees I Have Happy!
Charitup

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Posted Reply with quote  #7 
Some of the Brown Turkey are large could well be one.

Whatever it is thanks for sharing
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goss
North Ga.
zone 7
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Posted Reply with quote  #8 
With that open eye, it looks similar to my unknown.  Figs on mine are large and colored the same when ripe also, (and they are very good btw). 

Looking forward to pics of your tree, the leaf, and the sliced fig.
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Dave
Verde Valley, AZ
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Gr8Figs

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Posted Reply with quote  #9 
Take a look at the Black Jack and Black Spanish photos for similar figs.  Leaves and ripe halved fruit may help narrow down the variety.
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Barry Northeast Georgia 8a Wish List:Medium-Small Size,Dark Cold Hardy Figs

Low Temperature of 4F in 2015,17F in 2016
snaglpus

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Posted Reply with quote  #10 
That fig is totally and completely the same fig as what is sold today by most nurseries as Brown Turkey.  However, that fig is the same exact fig under the real name....Improved Brown Turkey aka California Brown Turkey aka Black Spanish, aka Black Jack, aka Thompson's Brown Turkey.  How do I know?

Well for starters, I have them all.....Improved Brown Turkey, California Brown Turkey, Black Jack, and Black Spanish.  If you don't grow these figs side by side, then comment.  Each and every one of these figs have the exact same characteristic...
1.  They are dwarfs
2.  Huge dark red figs
3.  Huge cavity in the center
4.  Not very sweet and not rich at all
5.  Not hardy at all in my climate
6.  Very prolific grower!

If you live in California where figs are pollinated by the wasp, then please understand, in the Southeast, we do not have a wasp.  Which means these figs taste absolutely and completely different than figs grown in your area.  The picture above is the exact same fig sold in Costco, Tradder Joes, and other healthy home markets.  They come from California BUT these packaged figs are not pollinated by the wasp.  Why?  I think they are grown in a greenhouse or huge warehouse aka controlled environment for commercial sell. 

At UC Davis, they have both the California Brown Turkey and the plain Jane Brown Turkey growing side by side in their orchard.  And yes, the figs there ARE pollinated by the wasp.  And the figs taste totally and completely different than mine grown in NC.  They are absolutely devine!  Very rich, darker in color, and very very sweet.  This is why folks who have tasted these caprified figs ask for Brown Turkey figs by name.  Why?  Because in California they grow wild every where and most people don't know the difference.  This is another reason why nurseries across the US just put the name Brown Turkey fig on a tree because folks think there is just one type of fig.   The Brown Turkey.   Those who've tasted pollinated Ca BT fig know what I'm talking about.  

Dave Wilson Nursery sells this fig under the name of Improved Brown Turkey.  Google it and see for yourself!  However, there is another Brown Turkey out there being sold by Monrovia called Brown Turkey.  The Monrovia BT looks exactly like the one in your photo too --- BUT the Monrovia BT splits very badly and taste like a sour watermelon.  It too is a dwarf tree with this huge open eye.  BUT if that Monrovia BT was grown in Ca where the wasp lives, it would taste amazing.  I hope this clears the air on these figs.  Enjoy your fig!
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Dennis
Charlotte, North Carolina/Zone 8a 
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Posted Reply with quote  #11 
^^^
Thanks Dennis.  Doesn't sound like mine is a brown turkey then.  Sure wish I could ID mine...

Looking forward to your pics Richard.
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Dave
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