They are not like Genoa leaves in Australia (black or white varieties). They have been here for a long time and the earliest reference I have found is a newspaper article from 1877.

Dave
Love the leaf.
I don't think it is either Genoa or Mission, but put me on the list for cuttings, LOL

Genoa will grow slow and develop a thick trunk. If this doesn't its not Genoa. Doesn't look like my genoa leaves.

Mission

Hey Gang, Thanks for the help!
I'd better just forget about the "Genoa" possibility (darn! Anyone have any Genoa cuttings?)
This is the closest pic I can find of a Genoa looking like what I have (but not really close at all!):


And here is a definite Black Mission example (much closer):


I BIG picture of the whole scraggly stick :) A member has been coaching me on how to get the side-shoots going; Wish us luck!

If you want it to thicken and strengthen, then you need to cut it back.

Not Genoa. Could very well be Black Mission. BM has a wide variety of leaf shapes, and some look almost like Brunswick. BM tend to have some pinkishness in the stems.

BexleyRabbit, I want a Strong Happy Tree :)
How low do we go? Take the top 1/3? 1/2? It stands around 6' and some leaves are getting burned up.
A few small little leaves/shoots trying to start in the middle - no doubt due to the serenading & guitar playing I treat it too ;)
Also please keep in mind my hope is to get enough side shoots going this next Spring to share cuttings with any members who desire this variety - Nice jagged long leaves & all leads pointing to Black Mission so far. Danny K. has spot #1, and quantity available will be based on new growth. It'd be nice to have some experienced growers see what fruit quality they can get out of this variation.
A fella once told me "The Black Mission is the Sweetest of the Figs" in his opinion of course! Where I live you can pick up a 5-gal Black Mission at Home Depot or Lowes no problem, but if you're 'off the map' somewhere or have interest for any reason, please PM! Wow, already planning for Spring - Gotta get through the Holiday season and such first!
Happy Figging!

I would cut it in half, about an inch above a node. You can then take the top half and cut that into 8" pieces and root them. Or you could air layer the plant halfway down and end up with 2 plants. Either way, no need to waste the top half. Cuttings or air layer. I have a Genoa from Belleclare Nursery. Not similar at all.

Half sounds good.

Some Black Mission have unique leaf patterns like Jon mentioned.  Some also have red tips.  This is clearly visble when dormant.  I have some with red tips and one or 2 without.  Those with red tips have better taste IMHO. 

do the air layer, should work well

Oh FUN IDEA! I didn't think I could air layer until Spring but let's do this!!!
So shall it be baggy air-layer or plastic bottle? Seen a few different and interesting ways to do this. . .
Thanks for the advice :)
And Dennis, the "pink tips" you speak of would be the new little buds coming along, if at all, no?

I think air layering that tree will be tricky given the height and thickness of the trunk and the time of year for you. But good luck.

Yes, but the buds will be red, not pink.

Trust me be happy its not a Genoa they split very bad Black Mission a way better fig.

Pink = Black Mission? Then it's settled - *Bingo*Bango*Bongo* BLACK MISSION! And I'm very happy the pinky ones are preferable.
In further news: I am blind as a bat! :) Did not notice the pink tinge this BM has compared to my others
THANK YOU ALL tremendously for all the help - oh and maybe I will wait on that air layer until Springtime
See the Pink?