beware of Dall'osso knockoffs even rare plant collectors in Italy have been searching for a true Dall'osso aka ‘Fetifero‘ for years and many have been sold knockoffs. even  http://www.ficuscarica.com/ version of Dall'osso is different then the one described by Giorgio Gallesio. 
 

How do you know? Who has the real deal and how do you know if everyone claims theirs is the one?

this is from a good friend in italy "I know very well the nursery Belfiore of Florence, I have in my garden its fig Dall'Osso, but it is a false fig Dall'Osso, if you want I can send you some branches????

Thanks for the heads up!

Out of curiosity how do you rate this false Dall'Osso and how closely does it resemble the real one?

There is a fig grower in Canada that said he is presently going through the paper work to bring one in.

I will try to get pictures of the ripe figs this year from my plant. I don't have the false one from Italy. shipping cuttings across seas without paperwork is illegal and could bring in unwanted pest into the US. However I can ask my friend to send me pictures of his if you want to compare them.   

I don't have this variety, but thanks for the heads-up.

Good to know -- does this applies to both the white & dark Dall Osso

there is just one real Dall'osso if someone is selling Dall'osso white it's fake. If they are selling Dall'osso black it's fake. It will be called Dall'Osso or Fetifero only 

Who has the real one?

nobody as far as fig collectors, it may be gone forever. But then again it could be sitting on a old farm in Colle d'Anchise waiting to be rediscovered. We are just going to have to wait and see if it ever pops up accompanied with a photo exactly like Giorgio Gallesio's. I can tell you with 100% certainty that if someone has a plant for sell as Dall'Osso or Fetifero in the US it's fake save your money.

How do you know that no one has the real  Dall'Osso? I have one that I bought from a very respected seller and I believe it's the real deal. It'll be a while before I get fruit because it's a young tree but I do believe that it's a real  Dall'Osso. 

ok

So you haven't seen a fig yet on your plant, what about your source does he/she have a picture of the fig, is there 2 cavities, can I see the photo ? Even respected seller get sold or passed along fakes so click your heels together and believe all you want but a picture is worth 1,000,000 words sorry to be so blunt

I know of at least 3 people that have the "Dall'Osso" in the US or think they do and all 3 came from different sources.......but no proof till they fruit.  Supposed to be getting one this fall.   

So I should throw mine into the fire because you say there are NONE in the united states??? Lol

lol no but don't build your hopes too high

can I see that picture your source has?

Ok Scott would be 4:)

Does anyone have one from Maggie?

Please someone email her, Isn't she the lady in FL with Dall'Osso? If so please ask for a photo and if she don't have a picture tell her to contact her source for a photo. People listen, any collector would photograph both the inside and out of this fig so if someone has it they have a photo. 1 of 2 things is going on 1 people are lying again"shocker" and/or 2 they are taking cuttings & air layering before it fruits and sharing with others thinking it's real only on the word of their source. I'm guilty of doing it in the past and it may now come back and bite me in the ass. I'm learning you can't always take the word of your source no matter how respected they are in their field. Sometimes they do the same thing & offer cuttings of what they acquired before fruiting for something else they want. Sometimes they lie about what they have just to get what they want and Sometimes the nurseries lie to them. We are not the only country with nurseries like TYTY's 

Hi ediblelandscapingsc,
Do you mean that you have a supposed true fetifero ? What does it look like ?
What are the qualities of that fig ?
Is it just a collector's fig ?
Is it cold hardy ?

No sorry jdsfrance 

Dennis might have one:
http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/an-ebay-first-dallosso-fig-6732941?pid=1281323357#post1281323357

Would be nice to find out if any figs were this year to taste and see.

Hi, ediblelandscapings, I send you message. But, for people who got Dall'Osso from me have nothing to worry about. They got a real deal. I don't selling figs to make a living. I don't put fake names on plants or cuttings, so they can be sold for more money. I truly love figs and respect people who helping to bring here rare figs... Buy the way, do you hear about another one very rare one Lupo or Luv? I have this one, but in Italy only 2 mother tree exist of this one... Dall'Osso rare and very difficult to keep alive.. I myself keep loosing this one..But, I will get another one and will send you pictures personally... And how do you know who have what in they personal collection? I have more then 1000 figs in my own.. But practically no one else know what I have.. Only me... Have a good day!

Have a nice day Olga, you are truly remarkable and congratulations on your personal collection, I know you must love growing figs 4 fun.

I will have luv, Lungo del Portogallo, & Cavaliere this year.

I don't doubt a few americans have a fig labeled Dall'Osso I doubt it's real. 

Thanks for taking the time to put this to rest Olga.

lol we still haven't seen a picture. Whats to rest.

If Olga says that it's real then I believe it's real. In my book it's put to rest. go away with your drama.

olga has not gotten a fig how is this at rest. 

I can honestly tell you that I do not have a fake one.  I don't have a real one either. :)

you both are going solely on the word of olga's source without any pictures to back it up. I'm going on the word of a man who has tried all the respected nurseries in Italy in pursuit of this fig. Olga only knows of 2 places that sell it in Italy. Scott you act like a big man in your PM'S why are you so hostile, and you chimed in on my thread so why do I have to go away  

The real confirmation of the words is a photo plants, fruits and leaves. Everything else - the lyrics.

Thank you Vladis 

Vladik ?, just for you, I will make sure to put pics as soon as I can. Too bad I don' save them on desk top. My computer out for now, but I will look if some pics saved on my Hp, Somebody was talking about 2 figs collectors in Russia and I even was reading yours forum.. yes, in Russia variety what no one even want to buy here real rare.. At list even I' m Russian and I'm glad I can watch any movie from Russian websites, I live here in Florida.. I hope one day in Russia figs collector will have lots of real rare and interesting figs varieties.. If you like, contact me and I hope, I will be able to help you... Good luck! Olya

Sorry Daniel but if Olya says she has it..she has it.  There are very few people that I would take their word on something without seeing it myself but Olya I do trust.  So I am with Rookie on this one.  

Wills are you referring to Olga when you say Olya?  Sorry my knowledge of Russian language is very little.

Dall'Osso fig certainly sounds intriguing but why did they disappear? 
Ihave seen photos can someone describe what they are like?  Are difficult to grow? 

Olya is a pet/nickname for Olga.

Hi Willsc,
Sorry, but pics would help . I don't see a reason to not show them .
In all due respect to everyone, as always.

It came to collecters as per name, so let it be until they can confirm it. I like to wish collecters all the
best. In my experience I had figs that came as so & so but when they ripen, they were not true. I recently
had Gooseberry with a tag stating it to be a yellow fruit. It turn out to be red. It tasted good.

Wow Olya, amazing feat to have a thousand plants. I suppose your neighbours and friends must be very
happy to be able to enjoy many surplus ripe figs you can share with them. In fact yesterday 2 families came
to my house to pick some ripe figs. These friends were considerate - just pick about 3 dozen or so. I have
some friends who would clean up whatever they see including not fully ripen ones. Such friends are not
welcome.

[QUOTE=pino]Wills are you referring to Olga when you say Olya?  Sorry my knowledge of Russian language is very little.

Dall'Osso fig certainly sounds intriguing but why did they disappear? 
Ihave seen photos can someone describe what they are like?  Are difficult to grow? [/QUOTE]

Pino,

What Waynea said:)   She signs her emails Olya so that is what I call her.  

JdsFrance,

Because you or even I may want to see the pictures or you see no reason not to post them that in no way obligates her to post them......nor does her not posting them mean she does not have it.   Btw just to be clear she is not who I am getting the Dall'osso from anyway.  

If someone has pictures of fruits, show them, please, and all doubts are dispelled. It's interesting.

Could this be a myth?

Daniel,
What information can you give me on the Cavaliere fig?
thx
mgg

If Olga said she has a Dall'Osso she has one.
If she wanted to sell me one I would buy it. I have no reason not to trust Olga any less then anybody else.

brianm :) 

mgginva  all I can tell you is it's reportedly a very good fig

Hi Brianm +1 . Without a photo, it does not exist . And that's fair for me .

[QUOTE=mgginva]Daniel,
What information can you give me on the Cavaliere fig?
thx
mgg[/QUOTE]

Just put it in ground a couple weeks ago.

I have a fig from a source that I trace back to Italy (a very specific location and person known to me there), which I believe may be Dall'Osso / fetifero.  I know that the source from whom I got it believes it to be so.  I personally make no claim that it is so until I see fruit from the tree.  So in a year or two I may post here (if it looks likely once I have fruit).  Of course, if it looks different or questionable, then I probably won't post here.  Meanwhile, it is just kind of a fun thing to explore.  Certainly I know and understand that it is questionable, but it is just fun to pursue and find out.  I've shared cuttings with a few others in different locales who are growing the same stock (cuttings from the same tree).  I guess we will see!

After all, the last three characters of this forum are "fun", right?

Mike   central NY state, zone 5a

It's true Mike it is fun until a member pays hundreds of dollars for a fake. Then it's not fun anymore. 

[quote]... it is fun until a member pays hundreds of dollars for a fake.[/quote]

Who would be _____ enough to do that?   (Fill in the blank with your favorite denigrating adjective).  Hundreds of dollars?  Sounds crazy to me.  Is that why you started this thread?

Mike

No I started this thread to show that my fig was not dall'osso and to beware of fakes because they are out there. Is this a question about who would pay hundreds for a real dall'osso? I didn't pay hundreds for mine but I'm sure over 50% of us have spent over $100 maybe even 200 or more on a fig tree at some point in their life.  So I guess some of us are  _______  but I would pay over 200 for a real Dall'Osso right now. I'm a rare fruit collector so obtaining some varieties of ancient fruits and figs can be costly. That said I'm not wealthy by no means and will never bid or pay over 400 agian for any tree when I can get 10 trees for that much and share cuttings of them to acquire new varieties I don't have. Often new fig growers will buy an expensive fig tree and use the cuttings from it to expand their orchards and collections by trading with others. Without having interesting varieties to share with others you are limited on what you can acquire, unless you have the funds to fork out thousands of dollars on all the varieties you want in your collection. I love figs4fun and yes it is fun but there are many people who have not gotten the variety they was told they was getting and when money is involved it takes a little bit of the fun out of it. Will that make a person stop collecting? maybe. Has it stopped me, no but everyone is different. I don't want people to give up on growing figs or bad mouth the community just because of an honest mistake and 90% of the time thats the case. it's not like the seller or person trading is lying about what that have but instead they didn't wait to see the figs and know for sure they are what they are called before sharing or selling plant material. Sometimes the plant tags get lost and mix ups happen there and then sometimes people do lie. This post was only to warn people of fakes not call out a seller or grower. Then I get bad mouthed by people who think they have a real deal but have no photo to back up the fact (Rookie).Mike if you have a friend in Italy please get him to send us a picture please. let's put this to rest for real all we need is a photo. the rumor is that only 1 person has the real dall'osso tree in Italy if this is so and people know him someone has a picture of the this fig. 

Hi, Crystal! I have pictures on my computer, hopefully tomorrow I will get my linkys wireless adapter for my computer so I can connect to internet. And post pictures on a forum. Olya

Thanks  Olya, we look forward to it. 

Hi, sorry, I got adapter today and this is a wrong one.. If some how I will be able to connect my computer to the Internet before the right one will get here, I will post the picture.. I guess I can't listen my husband next time when he will tell me any adapter will work.. Very sorry again.. Olya.

No obligations needed Olya. Its all FUN. What matters most, you are happy figging and a BONUS if every thing
is true per description. I have a few variants that were not true but no biggie as I am happy with what I have
and wonderful fig friends that wants me to have a bigger collection -- a wonderful challenge. Hey, maybe Russian
women are historically raise to listen to their husband But I know most women knew everything about men and
vice versa man knows little about women --- all in jest.

Daniel and WillsC,
Cavaliere is a very very good fig. I have 5 of them - 3 of which produced this year - 2 produced last year.
Information is pretty scarce. Mine match the literature and I got them from Gene Hosey so I think they are genuine.
I can send you pictures if you want.
I haven't downloaded from my camera in quite awhile but there are at least a couple representative figs captured.
I have one left that's large and a few days from ripening. I guess I'll take a few photos of it as it is probably the last one that will ripen. Cavaliere was very productive - those in their second year of producing figs - anyway. 
I was hoping for any scrap of info as this appears to be a very well thought of fig in Italy.
It does very well in zone 7A in Virginia, and is superior in taste even from young trees.
I think my oldest tree is 5 years old. Next year this variety gets the big pots as it is a definite "keeper".
I will not be selling or giving away cuttings so please no PM's.
I will, however, make a few starts for sale or trade for those interested.
I did give away/sell plants of this variety to those that had it on their wish list when I first acquired my trees so there are a few others around that I know of, as well as a few that are in other collections that I believe are unrelated to mine.

Somebody in Italy seems to have the real deal: my friend Vladimiro. See post # 47

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/i-am-writing-from-italy-hello-america-5531293?&trail=25&full_version=1

How much are they asking for this fig?  Maybe it is worth vacationing there and picking up a couple:) 

Hi!
I'm back on Internet with my computer..
Ok, here a picture sing:
Particolare della stampa del fico 'Fetifero' del Gallesio (1800) Biblioteca Malatestiana Cesena

Now I will put picture of Fetifero or Dall'osso frpm Paolo      

I would love to see the inside already? :)

And now I will tell you little story about this fig..
I think Giorgio Galessio saw this fig in 1800 and he just was surprise about this double form or mutated for of this fig and decide to make a picture...
And this variety was not so rare up to few years back..
In North part of Italy was many trees of Dall'Osso, but one winter was very cold weather and kill all those trees..
Before this happen, figs collectors got cuttings and start they new trees..
But...
Last year, was huge fight on Italian figs forum..
People start telling each other who have wrong ones and who have right one..
Why???
I don't come to this forum very often.. sorry..
but time to time I open and read..
And some people saying they think in they area this variety can produce different color, or taste. or even size of fig..
And I think they are right..
Plant what move from south area to north will need addapt to new climate or die, or be sick and weak..
So, because Paolo live in South Italy his plant have this black color on both parts..
Lots depend from soil, water and sun..
And also, not many people know, but Dall'Osso Fetifero producing only 15-20% of this double, or mutated form and I think in a beggining I think you will see normal fruits, but with age you will see more and more double or mutated form..
Now, people who got plants from me..
I now know both parts will look black..Just like Paolo..
I was hoping part near branch will look more green, but not, they look like Paolo..
He saying, this is normal, so much time pass from 1800 and this is how this variety look now..
I hope, I give info you are was looking for..
And say another Italian fig Piombinese.. Info about this one go back 400 years, but this one produce normal figs, no no pics..
I think we like to see something different..
Say like Jolly Tiger.. Most people want to get vegitated form..
I personally got myself not vegitated..
I just tired to kepp it in a shade and never see fruits..
So, now I got a normal one, so I can try it..
I collect figs, so I can eat them..
Olya.

This is pics of fruit inside on second year old plant.  

Thanks for the pictures . Very good looking Dell Osso dark fig - looks like a filbert nut but bigger. Olya, I understand there is a non dark Dell Osso that is ancient or very old fig. Do you know anything about it ?By the way congratulations on such a unique fig in your collection.

Hi, Paul!
Sorry, I don't understand, do you asking about fig what we give a name Dall'Osso( white)?
Or for Dall'Osso what have one part more green and another one black?
If you asking about Dall'Osso ( white) cuttings what was sold or share early this year..
Mother tree was found in Florence Italy in one very old garden, this garden more then 100 years old, one rich man bring rarest plants from all over the world to this garden, now he is dead and people can walk and see the plants..
My friend saw this huge old fig tree with many figs on this tree what look like Dall'Osso or Fetifero double form, only color was green, not a black..
My friend root one cutting and when plant was in 3 gallon pot , this plant was shipped to Paolo so, he can tell what this is actually is..
This is kind interesting..But I saw on my Red Lebanese (Marius) one double fruit, tomorrow I will make a pic and post, now too dark and raining here..
I saw double form before on White Genoa in my garden and on few others..
And, real don't pay much attention to it..
But after this posts, I start looking more on my figs:-)
If you asking if I know where to get Dall'Osso with one part looking more green and another one black.. Sorry, I was hope I can get both and completely black and half and half, but both places have  a black figs...
Olya.

So where do we get cuttings Lol ?

Dall'Osso Fetifero was sold on Ebay and some cuttings of Dall'Osso (white) too..
So, I guess in a future they will be available between figs collectors..
I can't tell for sure if we will have more for sale..
Person from who we got it last time, real don't want to sell Dall'Osso Fetifero, he want to save this variety for Italy..
And people who know Paolo can get cuttings from him, only he don't speak English..sorry..

sorry but thats not the real dall'osso. Vladimiro has the same one and said his is not real either. the real dall'osso   is like the painting on post #63 

Hi Olya
Thanks for the story on this interesting fig!  It is nice to know its history.  Is your friend Paolo from Giardini di Pomona? 

Crystal I feel sorry for you and Vladimiro also..
Investigation on Dall'Osso done, finish...
Good luck looking for "real one"..
I sent you messages, explain.. now I just washing my hands..
I done with you...
We was searching for information on Dall'Osso for month, talking with people who spend they whole life collecting old Italian figs in Italy..Figs this is they life...From father to son.. 
I don't know Vladimiro...
And I think..I have enough figs friends without him, or you..
And also, I was saying nothing..But, I find out some info, about what you was openly lying here..
So, your words mean nothing to me..
I just decide to share info and photos ..
I just love talk about figs and find interesting information..
And if my info help anybody on this forum..My job is done..
Olya.

I can get cuttings of the same one you have Olga the all black It's called a false dall'osso by my friends and I can possible get the black and white that's on Ficus carica.com which looks more like the real one but nobody & I mean nobody has the fig that's Giorgio Galessio calls Dall'osso.

Thanks for sharing your photos of Paolo's fig with us olga. I hope one day we can find the real dall'osso with both "bone and fruit" as my friend calls it :) 

Thank you all for photos and interesting information.

I love that website. Olya is he in Italy?

Hi, Aaron!
Yes..Send me e-mail and I will give you more info..

Thanks for the info Olya I know he does. We all love figs, and hopefully we all share the same passion to catalog every fig being grown and strive to find the dall'osso pictured by Giorgio Galessio and not settle for anything less if it carries the name Dall'osso. We can't just say ok it's the same just because it produces elongated mule figs. If so I got a purple Dall'osso 10-15% of the figs are mule figs. I also Have a fig that is from Asia and over 50% of the figs are flatter mule figs but need pollination or drop fruits. is this Dall'osso too. Why can't Paolo call it fico nero Fetifero until the real one from the 1800's shows up. To say this is what Dall'osso has become is the same thing as saying it's not Dall'osso because other figs from the 1800's are still around and haven't became anything but what they were in the 1800's. So are you saying it could be a Dall'osso seedling? I understand what you and everyone else is saying but please listen to what I'm saying you can't call a black mission a black madeira because it's black.  

Thanks Olya, just eMailed you :)

Crystal, I see you very well know Paolo..
So, you can ask him, why he calling his fig Dall'Osso Fetifero..
I'm sure, him being a very nice person,  have no problem and tell you why...
But.. I feel even after this you will continue...

Sorry I can't call this Dall'osso Olya. This is nothing against you or Paolo I swear, I just have to look at facts. No matter what he tells me doesn't change the fact the pictures don't look like Dall'osso, similar yes the same no. Please don't be mad because of my point of view. I'm sure others feel it's not the same fig as well but out of respect for you are staying out of it. I respect you too, your hard work searching out rare figs has help introduce many new varieties to the fig community as a whole. Why would you settle Olya, would you not like to find the same one in the painting also? I really hope you understand this was never an attack on you or anyone else"Rookie"you too. I'm just wanting to know if it still exists and if so I want to see it. Thanks again Olya for your photos they were lovely and very much appreciated. 

Out of respect to me???
You have no idea how many e-mails I got after your post..
And not even one where somebody told me I'm wrong..or they don't believe me, or...
I will like to find a plant look very similar with Galessia.. 
But, because I live in Florida color still will became black.. no green..
May be in your area same plant will produce figs with green part...
Like I say before.. A lot depend from soil, water and sun...
But, you surprise me..
I was thinking you have a plant nursery and know a lot about plants, adaptation..
I now try addapt plants from Amazon..
I collect plants what can cure cancer.. And many of them grow near Amazon river..
And, this is not easy.. I lost many, but I continue trying..
And few seems start doing better.. Only still no fruits.. But, I keep hoping..
Actually.. 
Figs.. one of the fruit what a cure for a leukemia.. 
This is why I collecting figs..
Olya.

I'm glad so many people believe you. I hope you do find a cure for cancer that would be better than any fig ever found. I never said I have a nursery unless thats what you want to call my 2 small greenhouses. I'm a hobbiest just like you.

I'm surviver..
I do have leukemia for 29 years now..
And when I find out figs can keep me alive..
This is when I decide I need to find the best figs for my area, so I can eat figs from May till December...
But many herbs will help too..
But.. here we talking about figs..
Olya.

Yes, benefits of fig plant and the fruit has been discussed in many homeopathic papers, claiming patients have benefited from eating fresh figs (in moderation) and drinking leaf tea infusions for some Cancers, Diabetics, Psoriasis, Allergies, Asthma, Arterial and Venous elasticity restoration (this is big on chemo patients future...if it's true), and many more claims... and needless to say also have to be verified further by medical researchers.

Is there no end to the end?

Olga did you have a bone marrow transplant? You can pm me if needed, this is for family member.

Hi daniel.  It seems to me that you are comparing fig trees and figs today against a very old description and a very old painting, and proclaiming the modern trees are not the "true" version of that variety.  So, have fun with that pursuit.

Olya, you have my best wishes and thoughts for your health and enjoyment.

Mike   central NY state, zone 5a

Thank you, Mike!
I trying to do my best here..

Olya, please do not let any of the posts upset you, there are many good posts concerned for your health, you have a real good hobby that helps for a positive outlook. Hopefully the back and forth will end and you can enjoy what you like most, growing figs. Good growing, congrats, and please keep on posting information and photos when you get time.