Fig Tree De Marseille - Ficus carica

Ficus carica 'Marseille' (also known as Marseillaise and Athens fig) is a very old Provençal variety that is still cultivated and appreciated for its small figs, which are sweet and taste like honey. These figs were traditionally dried to prepare the thirteen desserts of Christmas, according to Provençal tradition. They can be harvested from mid-August. This variety withstands summer drought well but cannot tolerate strong frosts. It is perfectly suited for hot regions.

The 'Marseille' fig tree has an initially upright habit, then spreading, reaching about 6m (20ft) in all directions. It is a unifera variety, producing small figs weighing about 25 grams, which are green-golden in colour when ripe. Their pale, almost white flesh is sweet and of good quality. It is delicious when eaten fresh, as well as in confectionery or dried. Figs, in general, are used in sweet dishes (tarts, clafoutis, compotes) or savoury dishes with goat's cheese or dry-cured ham. Refrigeration is not recommended as it alters the fig's aroma and the skin may suffer from humidity and condensation. The best way to enjoy them is at the table, or tasting them under the tree, which will preserve their honey-like fragrance. The harvest is done in several stages, as the figs ripen. This variety is self-fertile and parthenocarpic, allowing fruit to be obtained without fertilisation. It does not require other fig trees. It also does not depend on the intervention of the fig wasp, the only pollinating insect of the fig tree, which is too delicate to survive in cold climates.

Ficus carica originates from Turkey and Asia Minor. It belongs to the Moraceae family. It is a deciduous small tree with a greyish trunk that is often twisted. The leaves are rough, bright green turning yellow in autumn, finely velvety, relatively large (sometimes 20cm (8in) long) and have a long petiole. The lamina is deeply divided into three to seven lobes, usually five, of variable shape. They have a velvety underside and prominent veins. The wood is soft and spongy, and the bark is grey and smooth. The root system of this small tree is powerful, spreading in all directions.

The fig tree is often considered one of the most beautiful fruit trees. Its unique foliage gives it an ornamental aspect and provides a beautiful shaded space, which is very pleasant during the summer heat. Plant it sheltered by a wall that will protect it from the cold during harsh winters, with a south or southwest exposure, alongside pomegranate, white mulberry, and Japanese loquat. Consider its dimensions when fully grown to determine the distance at which you will plant it. Even though the roots do not cause damage to modern constructions, they can cause damage to walls made of dry stone or with weak mortars.