Ficus carica Figality

The 'Figality' Dwarf Fig Tree is a recent variety that has a remarkably compact habit, reaching only 1.50m (4ft 11in) in height and 1m (3ft 4in) in spread at maturity. It is perfect for container cultivation or small spaces. It produces abundant fruits of a good size, with a blue, almost black skin and red flesh that is sweet and aromatic. It is a self-fertile variety with good cold resistance. It bears fruit once a year, starting in early August. The Fig Tree is a deciduous, hardy tree that thrives in sunny locations. Plant in autumn/winter (or in spring for colder regions).

The Ficus carica 'Figality', sometimes known as 'Little Miss Figgy', is a variety discovered in 2010 by American Michael Nobles in his nursery in South Carolina, from a spontaneous mutation of the 'Rouge de Bordeaux' Fig Tree. Like its parent, it produces beautiful fruits with a blue, almost black skin and sweet, aromatic flesh. The fruits measure approximately 4cm (1.6in) in length and 5cm (2in) in diameter.

Among the Fig Tree varieties, there are:

- onecrop varieties, which produce a single harvest per year, quite abundant, in early autumn

- twocrop varieties, which bear fruit twice a year, producing figs called 'flower figs' in early summer, appearing on the previous year's wood, and autumn figs, developing on the branches of the current year.

The 'Figality' variety is a onecrop variety, bearing fruit from early August. The harvest will take place in stages, as the figs ripen. This variety is self-fertile and seedless, allowing for fruit production without fertilization. It does not need other fig trees and does not require the intervention of the fig wasp, the sole pollinating insect of the fig tree, which is too sensitive to survive in cold climates. Native to Turkey and Asia Minor, the Fig Tree (Ficus carica) belongs to the Moraceae family. 'Figality', with its small size, forms a vigorous deciduous dwarf tree with a rounded and branched habit, reaching a height of between 1.20 and 1.80m (5 ft 11in) and a spread of 0.90 to 1.20m (3ft 11in). The leaves are rough, dark green turning yellow in autumn, finely hairy, about 15cm (5.9in) long and 12cm (4.7in) wide, and have a long petiole. The surface is deeply divided into three to seven crenate lobes (most often five) of variable shape, with a velvety underside and prominent veins. The wood is soft and spongy, the bark is grey and smooth.

The Fig Tree is often considered one of the most beautiful fruit trees. Its unique foliage gives it an ornamental appearance. Plant the 'Figality' Fig Tree against a wall with a south or southwest exposure to protect it from cold during harsh winters, as a standalone specimen, integrated into a flower bed, or in a large pot on a sunny terrace. With its small size, it can be cultivated in colder regions, in a container that can be brought indoors when the temperature drops below -10°C (14°F).

Figs are used in sweet dishes (pies, clafoutis, compotes...) or savoury dishes in combination with goat cheese, dry-cured ham, or foie gras. After harvest, refrigeration is not recommended as it alters the flavours of the fig and the skin may suffer from humidity and condensation. The best way to enjoy them is fresh and eaten under the tree, which preserves their honey-like aroma.