The fig is the edible fruit of Ficus carica (the common fig), a species of tree or shrub in the flowering plant family Moraceae, native to the Mediterranean region, and to western and southern Asia.

Fig, plant of the mulberry family (Moraceae) and its edible fruit. The common fig is indigenous to an area extending from Asiatic Turkey to northern India and is cultivated in warm climates. The fruit contains significant amounts of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron.

House Beautiful on MSN: How to grow a fig tree that produces tons of fruit, according to garden experts

How to grow a fig tree that produces tons of fruit, according to garden experts

Figs, scientifically known as Ficus carica, are small pear-shaped fruits that grow on the fig tree, belonging to the mulberry family (Moraceae). They are native to the Middle East and Mediterranean region but are now cultivated in many parts of the world.

Fig is the common name given to any vine, shrub, or tree in the genus Ficus of the mulberry family, Moraceae. The term also is used for the sweet, edible, round to oval, "fruit" of the common fig tree, Ficus carica, which is of commercial importance.

Technically, a fig is a bunch of upside-down flowers in a pod; the flesh is an accessory fruit. Figs don’t ripen after being picked, so choose plump ones that give a little to gentle pressure. Figs are rich in vitamin K, so they are known to interfere with blood-thinning medications.