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cyberfarmer

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
I found some fig trees growing in an abandoned orange grove in my neighborhood. I've known about them for about 6 months and I may have mentioned them here before. I was originally not that excited to have found them, because at the time, I did not realize that I lived in an area where figs can grow wild from seeds. Upon that realization, I took the family for an outing today to check on the trees. 
 
The orange grove is not necessarily that old, but it has been abandoned for a long time. There is no irrigation. There is junk laying around... a rusty bicycle ...an old television. However, at one time, somebody put a lot of attention into planting orange trees in perfectly straight rows. 
 
The fig trees were not planted with any rhyme or reason. They are growing between the root of the oranges, and some on top of each other. The orange trees create a dense canopy, assisted by wild grape vines and coast live oak trees that have overtaken the orange trees in height. Most of the fig trees must have sprouted after the canopy was established. The trunks are long and spindly. The trees are growing almost like vines trying to seek light. I just can't imagine anyone intentionally putting several fig trees in this spot. I actually skipped taking pictures of a couple trees because they looked sickly and had dried up figs hanging on the branches. Now I wish I would have taken some shots anyway. Oh well.
 
Tree 1 has a little clearing next to it, so even though the trunk is still spindly, the leaves are the glossiest dark green I have ever seen on a fig tree. It is loaded with figs, but they are still very small. If you notice in the second picture that the branch looks like it has been cut, that is probably where I took some cuttings earlier this spring. None survived.
[T1A]  [T1B]    
[T1C] 

 
Tree 2 also has nice glossy leaves where they reach the sunlight, but most of the tree is densely buried by grape vines. It looks like it has dark figs.
[T2A] 
[T2B] 

 
Tree 3 has no figs. The leaves are more deeply lobed than 1 or 2.
[T3A] 
[T3B] 
[T3C] 
 
Tree 4 has no figs either. The leaves are deeply lobed and lobes on each lobe. It is the thinnest of all the trees and is growing at the base of a coast live oak. That forest litter is mostly oak leaves which kill most other plants. I am surprised this fig can survive here. 
[T4A] 
[T4B] 

 
Tree 5 is at the edge of a clearing and gets more light than any of them. It is 15 to 20 feet tall based on the scale of my son in the picture. It is loaded with small figs.
[T5A] 
[T5B] 
[T5C] 
 
So, I am curious to hear opinions as to whether or not these are likely to be seedlings, or if you recognize any of them as known varieties. Each tree is very unique. Most are in a cluster within 20 feet of each other, while 2 others are scattered off by themselves. I'm guessing that since these trees are all grouped closely together, that they probably all grew from the same fig. Does it make sense that seedlings would have such drastic variations? If they are not from the same fig, I have a harder time believing that seedlings from different kind of figs all happened to get deposited so close together.
 
I would like to try to take some large air layers from these trees. Don't have patience for cuttings. How large can I go on an air layer?
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Paul the Fig Tree Destroyer in Fallbrook, CA (Zone 10A )
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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
As large as you want  :)

They may have grown from bird droppings.
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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
  That's a very interesting find. There's something about discovering wild fig trees that's thrilling! I have yet to find one but I get a kick vicariously when someone posts about their find.  I hope you update us about the quality of the figs.  I wish I'd been into figs when I lived near Fallbrook, in Valley Center. Lots of intertesting things used to sprout in our grove, via birds.
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PhilaGardener

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
Interesting find!  They sound genetically diverse.  Close enough to ripening so I'd taste test first, but starting air layers isn't much of a commitment. 

Goats too!  May be keeping the trees pruned up, but a little extra sun might be good for sugar content.  Any oranges?
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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
How exciting that you went on a fig hunt with your son. He just might remember the old abandoned orange grove with the fig trees that his dad discovered in years to come.
 Remarkable that the figs are growing without any intervention or fixings. How very different. The one leaf almost resembles a grape leaf. Thank you for the pictures. 
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Celeste UNK, 15 year old disease free, very abundant, nice sized fruit.

I've got the fever, as Ms.Javajunkie gifted me so very many cuttings.
Experimentation in progress... all of my own cuttings got slimy. Ms.Javajunkie gifts are showing tiny leaves and roots. So very excited Black Greek, Po di Limone and Black Triana are growing in little cups.  
KCMarie

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Posted Reply with quote  #6 
Love it!  Just goes to show that no matter our meddling and trying to improve upon nature, plants will grow and succeed, and even bear fruit sometimes! 

Nice hike with your son and goats to the hidden fig forest. 
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Posted Reply with quote  #7 
Wow great fig finds there Paul! Great outing for you and your good looking son. Keep us posted on your airlayering progress and the ripe fruits on those trees .
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greenfig

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Posted Reply with quote  #8 
Hi Paul,

A great place you live in! Congrats on the trees found!

I think those are seedlings and were distributed by birds in droppings. They can be all relatives. The fact that they do not look alike does not mean anything. The leaf shape depends on the food, amount of the sun light, etc. I have a large number of seedlings that I germinated myself this year and they mostly look different and unique.
As Bob mentioned, you can decided on an air layer of any size and carry away a large tree in a few months easily.
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cyberfarmer

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Posted Reply with quote  #9 
So far, I have made one air layer from one of my potted trees that was done in order to salvage a tree that was ravaged by squirrels. It was very easy to do and it has surpassed all of my cuttings very quickly. Air layers are so satisfying since you get results so much faster.

I don't think these wild figs will ever ripen to full potential in the deep shade, except for the two that are on the edge of the clearing. I would like to take air layers so that I can see how they produce with full sun. I know that as seedlings, chances are that they are no better than most other known varieties, but it would be good practice. Who knows. Could end up being the one.
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Paul the Fig Tree Destroyer in Fallbrook, CA (Zone 10A )
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Posted Reply with quote  #10 
Paul,

This is a nice find that may provide some good surprises soon.
From the distance and judging from the leaf profiles, the young figs and your reporting this looks very similar to countless  examples around here on abandoned farms, orchards, etc..

The fact that the place seems to be frequented by goats tells us that potential seedling shoots won't have a very long life !! they will be eaten by goats or rabbits, etc.. as they show their first tender greens
The growth appearing disorderly and  widespread looks to me to be shoots from old or very old roots from fig trees which were there many years ago, left abandoned, growing to all sides ( mainly the zones facing South/West ) .. usually sporting enormous leaves of very dark green with a variety of different contours. Being untouched for various seasons these trees tend to be the source of all sorts of critters (good and bad) which find in there a permanent  sanctuary. These may also spoil the potential figs as they start showing signs of ripening.

Another  reason for me to think of of old root shoots, was the fact that you have not identified, at least not mentioned anything looking a Caprifig... which if there, would most probably be originated from a seedling and to show by now, plenty of figs both on last years's wood..as well as on 2014 green branching

The figs shown on the pictures are apparently all light colored.. are they ? Say this because fig eyes are also light and none seemed to be of a darker color or red.

Soon you shall know.
Francisco
Tam

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Posted Reply with quote  #11 
Paul: Very nice find, thanks for sharing.

Best,
Tam
cyberfarmer

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Posted Reply with quote  #12 
Francisco, yes I figured trees like these are probably pretty common if you know where to look. Probably nothing special - but it's like scratching a lotto ticket .

Tree #2 has purplish figs, though they may not fully color being in deep shade.

As to the goats - they are my pets. We walk the herd around the neighborhood and pass by this grove all the time. Out goats do not seem interested in fig leaves.
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Paul the Fig Tree Destroyer in Fallbrook, CA (Zone 10A )
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Posted Reply with quote  #13 
What a wonderful place to explore and to see nature at work. It seems to me that the figs, for the most part, may not be fully developing thanks to the competition - not all will reach their full potential because of the sunlight issue. But those that do will make it. Very Darwinian!  Joe

PS: Nice goats!
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lampo

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Posted Reply with quote  #14 
Thank you Paul for clarifying the status of that nice pair of goats.
Seeing your junior and the goats that brings memories back to light.
My dad used to take a rental every season of around 2 acres of figs and through Summer we would go the full troops (we were seven sons and one daughter) plus a big female goat and two cubs.. There were plenty of figs of all kinds for everybody. We loved those parties but that was also hard work!

But on those days the farms were very well looked after and the trees were nice, clean and nicely pruned every season to stimulate growth and facilitate picking.

Nowadays a lot of old orchards are abandoned and the trees left to dry and die.

It would be interesting to see what those figs will be

Francisco
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Posted Reply with quote  #15 
Nice find Paul, congrats...

Pictures 2 & 3...they look like (eatable) common green or white fig

Pictures 4 & 5... those are really nice looking leaves... reminds me of few hybrids I have seen in special collections...leaves are single lobe mostly, (are those rounded shaped ones that look like grape leaves also part of the fig in the same picture?) and flowers mostly fury when little...I'd keep an eye on that particular one.

Very interesting find of patch :)

And you have a great helper there, hehe. Can't wait until my son (only 3) is that old.

How many dogs do you have...or are they goats!  <:x
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Posted Reply with quote  #16 
Nice find!  And so wonderful to bring your son and the other 2 kids with you!  :-)
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Posted Reply with quote  #17 
Interesting find, Paul.  It's still early to mid in the season, so it's still hard to distinguish the varieties.  Still, it's gonna be fun waiting for the figs to ripen.  I'd like to get a hold of some cuttings of #2 and #4. #4 has an interesting leaf pattern!

Nate 
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cyberfarmer

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Posted Reply with quote  #18 
Quote:
Originally Posted by lampo
Thank you Paul for clarifying the status of that nice pair of goats.
Seeing your junior and the goats that brings memories back to light.
My dad used to take a rental every season of around 2 acres of figs and through Summer we would go the full troops (we were seven sons and one daughter) plus a big female goat and two cubs.. There were plenty of figs of all kinds for everybody. We loved those parties but that was also hard work!

But on those days the farms were very well looked after and the trees were nice, clean and nicely pruned every season to stimulate growth and facilitate picking.

Nowadays a lot of old orchards are abandoned and the trees left to dry and die.

It would be interesting to see what those figs will be

Francisco


You are fortunate to have such fond memories with your family. I was going to say it must have been great to have all those siblings, but then I remembered my four older sisters. So, anyway.
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Paul the Fig Tree Destroyer in Fallbrook, CA (Zone 10A )
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Posted Reply with quote  #19 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aaron4USA
Nice find Paul, congrats...

Pictures 2 & 3...they look like (eatable) common green or white fig

Pictures 4 & 5... those are really nice looking leaves... reminds me of few hybrids I have seen in special collections...leaves are single lobe mostly, (are those rounded shaped ones that look like grape leaves also part of the fig in the same picture?) and flowers mostly fury when little...I'd keep an eye on that particular one.

Very interesting find of patch :)

And you have a great helper there, hehe. Can't wait until my son (only 3) is that old.

How many dogs do you have...or are they goats!  <:x



Thanks for your assessment. Yes, tree #2 is buried in grape leaves and it has many grape like leaves. It also has some lobed leaves that are not shown. The eyes are closed and dark, but not red like a black mission.

We have three goats, but I keep telling my wife that the chubby black wether in the first shot nays way too much and looks delicious.
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Paul the Fig Tree Destroyer in Fallbrook, CA (Zone 10A )
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Posted Reply with quote  #20 
Quote:
Originally Posted by FiggieFive_0
Interesting find, Paul.  It's still early to mid in the season, so it's still hard to distinguish the varieties.  Still, it's gonna be fun waiting for the figs to ripen.  I'd like to get a hold of some cuttings of #2 and #4. #4 has an interesting leaf pattern!

Nate 


I would be happy to share cuttings, but like Lampo suggested, these are a pretty common find. I'm guessing there are probably a lot of other figs more worth your time. I plan to make an air layer of each tree so we can see what they do with better soil, water and sunlight. With large air layers, I should have a decent test crop next year.

Before I start distributing cuttings I need to contact the owners. If you really want to try the cuttings before I taste some figs, I will send you some once I get permission. I don't think they'll miss the few cuttings I took before, but I should check before I start hacking it up.
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Paul the Fig Tree Destroyer in Fallbrook, CA (Zone 10A )
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Posted Reply with quote  #21 
Hi cyberfarmer,
To be honest, the smaller tree, no one would notice, and I would take it with me on the walk back home .
As for the big ones, I'm sure you could find a smaller rooted root-shoot and take it right away.

Then as you say, if someone doesn't want to perhaps loose time and space, buying a tree or rooting a known tree is the shortest path to a productive tree.
If you have goats :), you have space, so for the fun, try those trees, but ... (that's not the shortest path to a productive tree ) . How do I know ? Well I have a spot
occupied by a strange strain / Brunswick definitively not - I'm wondering if it doesn't need caprification - but well 2 years more and at this rate, the spot is free unless the tree changes her mind and produces fruits and not leaves only -
and don't tell me about the tea option ! That strain was transmitted to me by a gardener ! How come, one can propagate those unproductive strains ! Unless to make bad jokes of course...
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cyberfarmer

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Posted Reply with quote  #22 
My wife just walked in the house with two giant branches - like 3 feet long each - with figs on them. I think she got them from tree #1. She's using them as the center of a large flower arrangement. So, they'll be sitting in a vase of water for the next week or two. Will they still be good for use as cuttings after that? A few of you have already contacted me asking for cuttings. So, I'd gladly send those out if interested. Once I bump into one of the adjacent neighbors, I'll find the owner, get permission and then I'll have plenty more to share.
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Paul the Fig Tree Destroyer in Fallbrook, CA (Zone 10A )
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Posted Reply with quote  #23 
i really like the snow flake like leaf of tree #4. 
I have a tiny tree of Niagara Black that have a slight resemblance of this leaf.  Nice finding.

I grew up on goat's milk... one day I have to have them also.  My city plot is too small for them.

Great looking boy also.
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Aaron4USA

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Posted Reply with quote  #24 
Paul, absolutely.
You can turn the branch into 6-8 inch cuttings after they have done their job for your lady.
Now send her back for the DARKER fig branches, tell her they look prettier with certain flowers.
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Posted Reply with quote  #25 
Paul, thanks for sharing.

Norhayati
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cyberfarmer

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Posted Reply with quote  #26 
I have only been back to the abandoned orange grove once since I posted this. I think I missed out on seeing some of the breba crops before birsd got them. However, I did find another tree that I did not notice before - only about 20 feet from these other ones. It had dark figs drying on the branches. Is this a caprifig?

Capri.jpg 

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Paul the Fig Tree Destroyer in Fallbrook, CA (Zone 10A )
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Posted Reply with quote  #27 
Looks like !
It may already have spread all wasps, but some may still be found on late ripeners.
No other figs on the tree ?
If it is a good Caprifig it should have green/unripe figs near the leaves as  if it was an edible main crop..
Probably not many but they should be there.

Francisco
cyberfarmer

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Posted Reply with quote  #28 
Francisco, there were many figs on the tree. I know that some were only partially colored in, and some were mostly, if not all green. I don't remember how they were distributed. I had assumed it was just a difference in exposure to sun. They were all shriveled up, regardless of color. I'll see if I can go back and look for main crop green figs near the leaves.
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Paul the Fig Tree Destroyer in Fallbrook, CA (Zone 10A )
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Posted Reply with quote  #29 
PS:
Just looked back where many messages were exchanged in this topic around mid June--15 to 17th.
That timing, technically speaking coincides with the date wasps normally leave the Caprifig (Profichi) fully covered with pollen and their bellies with a nice load of eggs.
Being very small and elusive they may certainly have passed unnoticed.

Francisco
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