Caprifig (Noun)
Meaning
Wild variety of the common fig used to facilitate pollination of certain figs.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The caprifig is the wild variety of the common fig from which the edible cultivated fig is thought to have originated through a process of selection and hybridization.
- In certain areas where edible figs are grown, caprifigs are often used to facilitate pollination of these cultivated varieties.
- Commercial growers typically plant caprifigs near edible fig orchards to pollinate female figs that would be otherwise barren.
- Caprifigs differ from edible figs primarily in the production of minute, fertile flowers that are necessary for proper fig pollination.
- Farmers rely on caprifigs for cross-pollination to ensure that their edible figs develop properly as some types are completely dependent on the process.