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Encanto Farms Nursery > Topics > The SPARROW FIG
 
 


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lampo

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 

On this same forum I showed not long ago under the topic- 
'No hassles with NATURE!'

a fig originated from a seedling planted in the axil of a twin palm tree , most probably by a sparrow, a very common bird in that area of the city.

Followed the development of this young tree, having spotted a number of figs growing up with some chances of maturing....more pictures were posted indicating that it would be a dark fig.

More recently some 'bird' has arrived ahead of me and on two or three occasions, the figs I had planned to pick when ready, simply vanished.
However this morning, managed to be there at early hours and the following pictures tell you exactly what I saw.

Decided to pick up the fig, although not yet entirely ripe, otherwise I would certainly have lost it for good.
Tasted it,.. it is sweet and slightly acid (it will be a good one) but the full flavors were not there yet

Decided to call it ..'the Sparrow Fig'

Francisco

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rcantor

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
That does look good!  Take cuttings before someone cuts it down!  :)
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Pattee

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
Most definitely get yourself cuttings! I remember the first intro of this fig you gave us. It's amazing the size of the leaves and what a fabulous looking fig! Thanks for sharing the update and flavor so far.
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Ruuting

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
Pardal? European Sparrow? That looks like a nice solid fig, Francisco.
Congratulations on that good find.
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SoniSoni

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
This is truly amazing.  I'm so glad you noticed it.  Sparrow fig was meant to be! 
 
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lampo

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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
Thank you all

Pattee , Bob,

Sure I shall arrange to take some scions at the right time

Rui,

Sim Rui, Pardal pode ser um bom nome para o figo pois este passaroco é concerteza responsável pela propagação deste fruto e pelo aparecimento de novas variedades....Who knows?


Soni,

Yes, this little bird is for sure responsible for the propagation of figs (by dropping seeds everywhere) and  consequently for the natural development of new varieties

Francisco
greenfig

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Posted Reply with quote  #7 
Francisco,

Maybe you can help me to understand better a way to increase the seed germination?..
I asked this question in my previous post at
http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/fig-seed-germination-question-6476864

Do the fig seeds need to go through a bird's/ animal's stomach, or some some special temperature/humidity conditions for a better propagation?

I see that people share the stories of some random successes but do not proceed further since the outcome is uncertain.

Thanks you! 
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Johnparav

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Posted Reply with quote  #8 
That is one beautiful fig Francisco .

John
jdarden1963

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Posted Reply with quote  #9 
I remember reading your first thread on this fig.  Very interesting story behind it and a great looking fig.  By all means, get yourself some cuttings before something happens to the tree.
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HarveyC

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Posted Reply with quote  #10 
Thanks, Francisco, hope you can one day get a fully ripe fig to report on how great it's potential is.
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elin

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Posted Reply with quote  #11 
places you can find figs :)
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lampo

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Posted Reply with quote  #12 

Thank you all for your commenting and suggestions.

There are still 3 or 4 figs in the small tree which I think they do not seem to come up to fruition one day.
Will watch them as best as I can .

Greenfig, To your question on how to treat the seeds prior to planting I must say that with no doubt the natural digestive tract of a bird for instance will certainly be best.
However what I have done so far is :

Preferably from true Smyrna dry figs (Calymirna for instance) early March

- Get the seeds clean of all pulp, washing them very well in warm water and use the ones which sink

- put them into a glass container in a mix of 15% vinegar and tap water for 1 hour

- Agitate well for 2 or 3 minutes, then rinse with tap water and let the seeds dry in a shade.

Plant them as you do for any other seed of similar size/weight. Have never got less than 70 to 80 % germination. In my climate they will germinate at open air, under a shade keep some humidity in the soil just like any other fig.
Hope this helps

Francisco
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