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LJFiggy

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
One of my cuttings that is leafing out has a pleasantly perfumed scent coming from its small leaves. It's rather sweet and floral, maybe even fruity, and I've noticed it for a few days. It's made me think what amazing plants figs are, that even their new leaves can be scented!

Has anyone else noticed this on any of their baby fig plants?
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~New to growing figs, I currently have tiny fig plants which are supposedly Little Ruby, Violette de Bordeaux, Desert King, and Petite Negri. I hope these were accurately labeled!
Now rooting LSU Gold and Purple, Celeste, Panache, Peter's Honey, and Unknown Varieties from cuttings, thanks to generous forum members.

Figs on my current wish list (along with any others recommended):
Osborne Prolific, Battaglia Green, Smith, Kadota, Italian Honey, Atreano, Verte or Green Ischia, Panache, Peter's Honey, Black Madeira, Smith, Noir de Caromb, etc. ~
GregMartin

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
I haven't.  What variety is it?  Any idea if they keep smelling like this when they mature?  Super interesting.
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smatthew

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
I noticed that last year on one of my varieties. It smells a bit like heaven.
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drivewayfarmer

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
Ronde de Bordeaux has the nicest smelling leaves to me so far.
The main one I recommend for folks who want to grow one indoors for the Winter up here in NH.
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LJFiggy

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
Quote:
Originally Posted by GregMartin
I haven't.  What variety is it?  Any idea if they keep smelling like this when they mature?  Super interesting.


This is happening with a clump of leaflets, about an inch in width, growing out of one of my LSU Purple cuttings. I haven't noticed any scent from its sibling, which isn't as far along. And as these are among my first fig trees of any sort, have no idea if they continue producing perfume. I hope they do, but if not, would be glad to exchange for the fruit!
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~New to growing figs, I currently have tiny fig plants which are supposedly Little Ruby, Violette de Bordeaux, Desert King, and Petite Negri. I hope these were accurately labeled!
Now rooting LSU Gold and Purple, Celeste, Panache, Peter's Honey, and Unknown Varieties from cuttings, thanks to generous forum members.

Figs on my current wish list (along with any others recommended):
Osborne Prolific, Battaglia Green, Smith, Kadota, Italian Honey, Atreano, Verte or Green Ischia, Panache, Peter's Honey, Black Madeira, Smith, Noir de Caromb, etc. ~
LJFiggy

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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
Quote:
Originally Posted by smatthew
I noticed that last year on one of my varieties. It smells a bit like heaven.


Sounds as lovely as the scent, heavenly ...:)
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~New to growing figs, I currently have tiny fig plants which are supposedly Little Ruby, Violette de Bordeaux, Desert King, and Petite Negri. I hope these were accurately labeled!
Now rooting LSU Gold and Purple, Celeste, Panache, Peter's Honey, and Unknown Varieties from cuttings, thanks to generous forum members.

Figs on my current wish list (along with any others recommended):
Osborne Prolific, Battaglia Green, Smith, Kadota, Italian Honey, Atreano, Verte or Green Ischia, Panache, Peter's Honey, Black Madeira, Smith, Noir de Caromb, etc. ~
LJFiggy

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Posted Reply with quote  #7 
Quote:
Originally Posted by drivewayfarmer
Ronde de Bordeaux has the nicest smelling leaves to me so far.
The main one I recommend for folks who want to grow one indoors for the Winter up here in NH.


Well, I shall find out what RDB leaves smell like, also, as I have several cuttings under plastic right now. At least one of them is leafing out, from what I can tell, from peeking in the top. Much as i'd like to take them out and check, will resist the urge until my large Amazon Ziploc bags arrive, when I can properly set up their mini greenhouse. So at that time, will let you know if mine are also scented.
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~New to growing figs, I currently have tiny fig plants which are supposedly Little Ruby, Violette de Bordeaux, Desert King, and Petite Negri. I hope these were accurately labeled!
Now rooting LSU Gold and Purple, Celeste, Panache, Peter's Honey, and Unknown Varieties from cuttings, thanks to generous forum members.

Figs on my current wish list (along with any others recommended):
Osborne Prolific, Battaglia Green, Smith, Kadota, Italian Honey, Atreano, Verte or Green Ischia, Panache, Peter's Honey, Black Madeira, Smith, Noir de Caromb, etc. ~
LJFiggy

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Posted Reply with quote  #8 
I've been thinking about the topic of scented leaves and plants....
During the '80's, believe it was, I grew some type of citrus tree from a seed, and its leaves were highly scented. I would rub them lightly between my fingers and sniff them. There seemed to be traces of scented oil that came from these leaves, even after they were fully grown.

And anyone who has grown tomato or geranium knows what a strong, unmistakable smell these plants have. Also the leaves of herbs such as thyme, basil, marjoram, parsley, rosemary, sage, spearmint, etc.

Each of these scents is very unique, but I would have to say I've never smelled anything similar to these tiny perfumed fig leaves.
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~New to growing figs, I currently have tiny fig plants which are supposedly Little Ruby, Violette de Bordeaux, Desert King, and Petite Negri. I hope these were accurately labeled!
Now rooting LSU Gold and Purple, Celeste, Panache, Peter's Honey, and Unknown Varieties from cuttings, thanks to generous forum members.

Figs on my current wish list (along with any others recommended):
Osborne Prolific, Battaglia Green, Smith, Kadota, Italian Honey, Atreano, Verte or Green Ischia, Panache, Peter's Honey, Black Madeira, Smith, Noir de Caromb, etc. ~
Blackfoot

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Posted Reply with quote  #9 
LJ Figgy: I believe the citrus plant you are referring to is commonly known  as Kaffir Lime. I currently have two I have grown from seed. They are  a wonderful plant used in Thai and other asian cuisines.
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greenbud

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Posted Reply with quote  #10 
I plan to get the Makrut Lime this summer.  Plan to use the leaves and the rind from the fruit. 

Thanksgiving I took choc. mint, bay, rosemary, citrus and pineapple mint.  I had envisioned it to be a special new experience for our young grandson.  Mostly is was a source of humor among the adults.  Oh well...
cis4elk

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Posted Reply with quote  #11 
Many fig leaves can have a pleasant aroma, similar to coconut. I mostly notice it when the leaves are immature, but it often returns in the fall after the plant pulls most of the chlorophyll from the leaves. These are the leaves that I like to collect and dry in the fall for tea, they keep for over a year.
On the other hand, many fig trees also have leaves that smell like cat urine. Sometimes in the fall cat urine can mystically become coconut, crazy magic..who knew?
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smatthew

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Posted Reply with quote  #12 
btw - I asked this same question last spring on OurFigs...
http://www.ourfigs.com/forum/figs-home/11970-do-you-sniff-your-cuttings
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LJFiggy

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Posted Reply with quote  #13 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackfoot
LJ Figgy: I believe the citrus plant you are referring to is commonly known  as Kaffir Lime. I currently have two I have grown from seed. They are  a wonderful plant used in Thai and other asian cuisines.


Blackfoot, I don't remember whether the Kaffir Lime was the plant I was growing, but it's possible. I'd like hearing about the ones you are growing. Their appearance, size, and are you growing just for fun or possibly for fruit or their leaves?
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~New to growing figs, I currently have tiny fig plants which are supposedly Little Ruby, Violette de Bordeaux, Desert King, and Petite Negri. I hope these were accurately labeled!
Now rooting LSU Gold and Purple, Celeste, Panache, Peter's Honey, and Unknown Varieties from cuttings, thanks to generous forum members.

Figs on my current wish list (along with any others recommended):
Osborne Prolific, Battaglia Green, Smith, Kadota, Italian Honey, Atreano, Verte or Green Ischia, Panache, Peter's Honey, Black Madeira, Smith, Noir de Caromb, etc. ~
LJFiggy

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Posted Reply with quote  #14 
Quote:
Originally Posted by greenbud
I plan to get the Makrut Lime this summer.  Plan to use the leaves and the rind from the fruit. 

Thanksgiving I took choc. mint, bay, rosemary, citrus and pineapple mint.  I had envisioned it to be a special new experience for our young grandson.  Mostly is was a source of humor among the adults.  Oh well...


It all sounds good! I do find all those "exotic" flavors of herbs fascinating and hope to grow some of them also. It's difficult to decide which to grow and easy to get carried away! (just as with fig varieties!) Maybe your grandson will be more interested when he's a little older, or maybe another grandchild will be..
__________________
~New to growing figs, I currently have tiny fig plants which are supposedly Little Ruby, Violette de Bordeaux, Desert King, and Petite Negri. I hope these were accurately labeled!
Now rooting LSU Gold and Purple, Celeste, Panache, Peter's Honey, and Unknown Varieties from cuttings, thanks to generous forum members.

Figs on my current wish list (along with any others recommended):
Osborne Prolific, Battaglia Green, Smith, Kadota, Italian Honey, Atreano, Verte or Green Ischia, Panache, Peter's Honey, Black Madeira, Smith, Noir de Caromb, etc. ~
LJFiggy

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Posted Reply with quote  #15 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cis4elk
Many fig leaves can have a pleasant aroma, similar to coconut. I mostly notice it when the leaves are immature, but it often returns in the fall after the plant pulls most of the chlorophyll from the leaves. These are the leaves that I like to collect and dry in the fall for tea, they keep for over a year.
On the other hand, many fig trees also have leaves that smell like cat urine. Sometimes in the fall cat urine can mystically become coconut, crazy magic..who knew?


Collecting and drying the leaves in the fall for tea is a great idea. I'm definitely going to do that myself. Without doubt, the tea would be very healthy and I would imagine very good with a spoonful of honey.

Cat urine, lol. If you saw my pets, you would understand the humor. Actually, I did think I noticed an odd smell on some of the cuttings, similar to cat urine. Well, I would definitely wait until any such leaves reverted to coconut scent again!

I sniffed the little LSU Purple leaves again after reading your post, and there really is a hint of coconut there....mixed with the floral scent. Nice.
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~New to growing figs, I currently have tiny fig plants which are supposedly Little Ruby, Violette de Bordeaux, Desert King, and Petite Negri. I hope these were accurately labeled!
Now rooting LSU Gold and Purple, Celeste, Panache, Peter's Honey, and Unknown Varieties from cuttings, thanks to generous forum members.

Figs on my current wish list (along with any others recommended):
Osborne Prolific, Battaglia Green, Smith, Kadota, Italian Honey, Atreano, Verte or Green Ischia, Panache, Peter's Honey, Black Madeira, Smith, Noir de Caromb, etc. ~
LJFiggy

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Posted Reply with quote  #16 
smatthew, that is an interesting thread on OurFigs... some of the responses were pretty comical, too. I would have to admit that I definitely sniff not only the leaves, but the cuttings themselves. And when I get fruit, will without a doubt- right along with admiring its appearance and taste!
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~New to growing figs, I currently have tiny fig plants which are supposedly Little Ruby, Violette de Bordeaux, Desert King, and Petite Negri. I hope these were accurately labeled!
Now rooting LSU Gold and Purple, Celeste, Panache, Peter's Honey, and Unknown Varieties from cuttings, thanks to generous forum members.

Figs on my current wish list (along with any others recommended):
Osborne Prolific, Battaglia Green, Smith, Kadota, Italian Honey, Atreano, Verte or Green Ischia, Panache, Peter's Honey, Black Madeira, Smith, Noir de Caromb, etc. ~
SuperMario1

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Posted Reply with quote  #17 
My wife is not a fan of the leaf smell, but I love it.  Thus far my RDB, Olympian, Hardy Chicago, and Unknown Dark Greek from Navid (just got this one) have been the most aromatic.
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Wish list:  Galicia Negra, Violetta, Violette de Sollies, Dan_la's Black Beauty 10, Craven's Craving, Most important: YOUR FAVORITE FIG. A lot of people put emphasis on popular/exotic cultivars, which is great because it highlights some of the better fig varieties; however, I am most interested in the figs our members love regardless of pedigree. 
Currently Growing: a bunch of varieties.




Jodi

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Posted Reply with quote  #18 
Ah this must be the smell that candles, soaps, etc. are trying to copy. After reading about the healing properties of fig leaf tea, I have been making it with fresh and dried leaves. Wonderful. It is proported to help regulate blood sugar and be a stress reliever as well as antioxidant properties. Who knew???
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In the book the "The Meaning of Trees" it is said the fig regulates the heart and that the true essence of Figs is...food for the soul.
Daisy's IBT cuttings will be available in January/February along with a few Lampeira Parda.  
Wishes for Martinenca Rimada, Black Ischia, I258, CddRoja, Jolly Tiger, Your favorite Figgy!
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SuperMario1

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Posted Reply with quote  #19 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jodi
It is proported to . . .  be a stress reliever . . .

Perhaps it is a good thing that my office has about 20 little trees in it right now. LOL
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Wish list:  Galicia Negra, Violetta, Violette de Sollies, Dan_la's Black Beauty 10, Craven's Craving, Most important: YOUR FAVORITE FIG. A lot of people put emphasis on popular/exotic cultivars, which is great because it highlights some of the better fig varieties; however, I am most interested in the figs our members love regardless of pedigree. 
Currently Growing: a bunch of varieties.




Jodi

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Posted Reply with quote  #20 
They sure are working for me.  I am having such fun watching every little move my new lil figlets make.  A severe case of the fig bug for sure.  ;-)  
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In the book the "The Meaning of Trees" it is said the fig regulates the heart and that the true essence of Figs is...food for the soul.
Daisy's IBT cuttings will be available in January/February along with a few Lampeira Parda.  
Wishes for Martinenca Rimada, Black Ischia, I258, CddRoja, Jolly Tiger, Your favorite Figgy!
Zone 8a Camp Verde AZ 
LJFiggy

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Posted Reply with quote  #21 
Supermario1, i'll have to try those out for scent when possible, and see how they compare with the LSU Purple! :)

Jodi, I'm a great advocate of natural healing with foods, and have seen nearly miraculous results in not only my own body, but in others lives, and also in my loved pets over the years. And as I've worked in animal rescue so long, there are many times their lives have absolutely been saved with nutrition, the right herbs, and supplements.

The health benefits you learned of from fig leaves are good to know, and to use....I think it's just wonderful that you are using the leaves already, as I will be as soon as mine are large enough.

You know, that scent really is a little similar to a natural, much better smelling version of those vanilla-type candles!

Quote:
I am having such fun watching every little move my new lil figlets make.  A severe case of the fig bug for sure.  ;-)  


This cracks me up....exactly what i'm afflicted with! And you know, at times they seems to show new growth nearly every couple hours! And that is the state of my affliction :)
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~New to growing figs, I currently have tiny fig plants which are supposedly Little Ruby, Violette de Bordeaux, Desert King, and Petite Negri. I hope these were accurately labeled!
Now rooting LSU Gold and Purple, Celeste, Panache, Peter's Honey, and Unknown Varieties from cuttings, thanks to generous forum members.

Figs on my current wish list (along with any others recommended):
Osborne Prolific, Battaglia Green, Smith, Kadota, Italian Honey, Atreano, Verte or Green Ischia, Panache, Peter's Honey, Black Madeira, Smith, Noir de Caromb, etc. ~
pino

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Posted Reply with quote  #22 
I had some cuttings that had scented wax used to seal the ends.
My humidity bin smelled a house of ill refute...lol
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Jodi

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Posted Reply with quote  #23 
Oh yes to helping ourselves and the furr babies with loving energy, nourishing foods, etc. Even after teaching at a healing arts school for 15 years , I had no idea about all the amazing healing properties of the fig fruit, leaves, trees. It has just been since I met my figgy friend Daisy and her amazing IBT that this fig world has opened for me. I think LJfiggy you posted the link about all the fig magick. After I studied more about them I went looking for leaves in Phoenix where there are still green ones on the trees. The tea from the tree I found in Phx is incredible. ;-)
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In the book the "The Meaning of Trees" it is said the fig regulates the heart and that the true essence of Figs is...food for the soul.
Daisy's IBT cuttings will be available in January/February along with a few Lampeira Parda.  
Wishes for Martinenca Rimada, Black Ischia, I258, CddRoja, Jolly Tiger, Your favorite Figgy!
Zone 8a Camp Verde AZ 
LJFiggy

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Posted Reply with quote  #24 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jodi
Oh yes to helping ourselves and the furr babies with loving energy, nourishing foods, etc. Even after teaching at a healing arts school for 15 years , I had no idea about all the amazing healing properties of the fig fruit, leaves, trees. It has just been since I met my figgy friend Daisy and her amazing IBT that this fig world has opened for me. I think LJfiggy you posted the link about all the fig magick. After I studied more about them I went looking for leaves in Phoenix where there are still green ones on the trees. The tea from the tree I found in Phx is incredible. ;-)


Pino, your post made me lol.

Jodi, it's wonderful that you've taught at a healing arts school for that many years. I'm sure you've heard of the late Ann Wigmore, whom I have studied a lot, and admire. She would take her freshly juiced wheatgrass freely to ill and bedridden people and saw amazing results. She also lived in a farmhouse with garden where people in ill health could stay and recover their health through raw foods, juicing, sprouting, etc. Inspiring account of AW:
http://www.encognitive.com/node/4200

Actually, I don't believe I was the one who posted the link you mentioned, but I did find a very interesting article on the nutritional benefits of figs:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=24
The author lists figs as one of the world's healthiest foods with benefits including lowering high blood pressure, cardiovascular support, prevention against macular degeneration,  etc.

It was also interesting to me in finding out that figs and mulberries are related, as I have long had a great interest in growing and foraging for mulberries. And mulberry leaves (and fruits) have important health benefits, too.

You know, come to think of it~ when I am able to harvest fig leaves, I'm definitely going to experiment juicing them (just a couple leaves per batch) with different fruits and veg's such as my carrot/apple juice.

So can you describe what your Phx fig leaf tea tastes like?? :) ...and were you able to get any cuttings from that tree?
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~New to growing figs, I currently have tiny fig plants which are supposedly Little Ruby, Violette de Bordeaux, Desert King, and Petite Negri. I hope these were accurately labeled!
Now rooting LSU Gold and Purple, Celeste, Panache, Peter's Honey, and Unknown Varieties from cuttings, thanks to generous forum members.

Figs on my current wish list (along with any others recommended):
Osborne Prolific, Battaglia Green, Smith, Kadota, Italian Honey, Atreano, Verte or Green Ischia, Panache, Peter's Honey, Black Madeira, Smith, Noir de Caromb, etc. ~
Smyfigs

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Posted Reply with quote  #25 
Pino:  LOL...LOL...ROFL...
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Czechmate

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Posted Reply with quote  #26 
When my Brown Turkeys come outside after a greenhouse winter, they are fragrant too. The scent reminds me of Italy! Tuscany. Have yet to find a soap that matches it, but l'Occitane candle is close. Nothing like the real thing though, makes me so happy to start each new season.
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