Quick facts
| Arabic name | التين |
|---|---|
| English name | Fig (Teen) |
| Scientific name | Ficus carica |
| Family | Mulberry family (Moraceae) |
| Plant type | Deciduous fruit tree |
| Height | Usually 3 to 6 m |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
January to February
During rest in late winter Harvest time
June to September
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Big, rough, lobed leaves, milky sap, and sweet fleshy fruits that turn yellow-green or purple when ripe.
Where it grows
Grown in Taif, Al-Baha, Asir, Madinah, Hail, Al-Jouf, Tabuk and Al-Qassim.
Soil
Handles many soils, prefers good drainage, and handles limy soil.
Water and irrigation
Medium. Handles drought when settled, but needs regular water for fruit.
Climate and light
Hot summer, cool winter and full sun.
Propagation
Easily from woody cuttings.
Benefits and uses
- Fruit eaten fresh or dried
- Shade in homes and farms
Drawbacks
- Its milky sap can irritate skin
- Strong roots, so do not plant near walls
- Ripe fruits attract birds and insects
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Ficus carica
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Ficus carica
- Wikipedia: Fig
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)