Fig Synonyms | What is a Synonym & A List of Types or Categories and their many names

What is a Fig Tree Synonym?

In the fruit world, synonyms are different names for genetically identical varieties. Due to widespread popularity, irresponsible hobbyist naming practices, and a lack of knowledge about fig trees, a fig variety called Hardy Chicago has amassed over 100 synonyms: Bensonhurst Purple, Bethlehem Black, & Malta Black are a few you might have heard of. 

Below is a video comparison of several Hardy Chicago figs with different names.

And it’s not just Hardy Chicago. There are 10, 20, or more synonyms for figs like White Marseilles, Longue d’Aout, Black Mission, Brown Turkey, and other popular fig varieties.

This is why learning about fig varieties can be challenging for beginners. Therefore, I decided to categorize varieties into specific "types" or "categories” whether or not they were exact synonyms. Maybe they were just very similar. This helped me sort through the confusion and decide which figs to add to my collection and how to avoid growing duplicates of the same variety.

The List of Fig Variety Synonyms:

Below, I've listed the most popular fig varieties and their common synonyms. Every fig grower should learn these. With thousands of fig varieties and their synonyms, it can be overwhelming. If a variety isn't common and not on this list, it's probably not worth learning right now. This is a great starting point:

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Hardy Chicago

Columbaro Nero

Dalmatie

Hivernenca

Figo Moro da Caneva

Violette de Bordeaux

Black Mission

English Brown Turkey

Dotatto

Bourjassotte Noire

Black Madeira

Atreano

Celeste

White Marseilles

Longue d'Aout

Adriatic

California Brown Turkey

Brunswick

Grise de St. Jean

LSU Hollier

Nebo

LSU Scott's Black

Yellow Long Neck

Smith

Verdino del Nord (VR)

Verdolino

Noire de Bellone

Coll de Dama

Joualle Noire

Bourjassotte Grise

Calderona

Constans

Sucrette

Black Celeste

Now that you’re aware of many fig tree synonyms, you should be better informed and prepared to make good decisions when selecting a new fig variety to grow. But what if you wanted to name your fig variety? Maybe you found a new variety, maybe it’s a seedling or a tree that your family has been growing for generations. 

Here are some tips and general rules to avoid adding to the confusion:

Naming a Fig Variety

First and foremost, you need to understand whether or not your fig is unique. Ask yourself these questions: 

1. Is your fig variety unique?

2. If your fig variety is not unique, can it be identified, does it have any synonyms, and what observable differences can be seen to merit a new name?

Here are some examples:

Seedlings:

1. If you plant a seed, it is acceptable to name your new fig variety whatever you please. Seedlings are genetically unique and will not have any synonyms. By hand pollinating your female fig with the pollen of a male fig of your choosing, you could also potentially prove that the seedling is your intellectual property.

2. If you find a seedling in the wild, it is also acceptable to name the tree whatever you please. Again, it's a seedling and when we plant seeds or when birds plant seeds, they are genetically different than any other variety. 

However, I would suggest taking a photo of the tree to get more opinions on whether or not it is indeed a seedling. Sometimes trees are planted and a trained eye can usually tell the difference. Honesty is the best policy and if you present detailed information to other fig growers about the seedling you've found, serious fig hobbyists will have no problem accepting your seedling and the name you've given it.

Planted Trees:

If you find a planted tree, try to identify it first. Find out from the owner where it comes from. Was it purchased from a nursery? Is it from some other country? What’s the history of this tree? 

If it's from a nursery, identify it (that shouldn't be difficult) and keep the original name the nursery gave it. If it's from another country and it cannot be identified, feel free to name it whatever you please. If it can be identified, and it's not from a nursery, you should proceed carefully with a new name. There’s a fine line.

Your reputation as a fig grower can be tarnished. After repeated offenses, other growers will start to believe that you’re causing too many issues for new fig growers (adding to the confusion) or you’re naming fig varieties to promote hype around your variety. 

The politics of fig trees is crazy. 

These days, I think it's fine to name a fig variety whatever you like, but you should do your research first. Remember that new fig growers will need to learn the name you choose. Make it easy by picking a name related to its origin or appearance. For example, avoid naming another Hardy Chicago unless it's truly unique. Instead, consider adding a moniker, like "Fred's Celeste," to indicate the source and reduce confusion.

Here’s why:

• Not every fig synonym is identical and we have no way of knowing if they are or are not identical.

• Well… that’s not exactly true. Yes, genetic testing fig varieties is an option, but that’s expensive.

• There’s also the concern of accuracy. From my understanding, genetic testing doesn’t describe epigenetic differences, a credible theory of why synonyms may appear different.

What is Epigenetics in Fig Trees?

Like identical twins, figs with the same genetics can show differences due to epigenetics. Epigenetics is like a light dimmer or switch for genes, influenced by environment, habits, and lifestyle. This means genes can be turned on, off, or somewhere in between. Identical twins, for example, may develop differently if raised in separate environments, or even show some differences if raised together, due to these subtle genetic changes.

Another credible theory as to why synonyms may appear different is mutation. Will a mutated fig variety show a different genetic code than the original variety it mutated from? I believe so, but I’m not a geneticist.

How Can Figs Mutate?

Branches and even single buds on fig trees can mutate into something called a chimera.

Chimeras occur when a cell mutates, either spontaneously or due to irradiation or chemical treatment. If this mutation happens near the top of the growing point, all new cells from that point will carry the mutation. Simply propagate and stabilize the mutated plant material and you have what should be considered a whole new fig variety.

Below you'll find a video of Barbillone: a black-skinned mutation of White Marseilles. The mutation turned the skin dark!

Trialing & Testing Fig Varieties 

Mutations and epigenetic changes in fig trees are important, fun, and interesting, and those theories may not be the answer to the observable differences growers may see when comparing synonyms.

However, it's worthwhile to trial fig varieties that are genetically or observably similar. At the time of writing it’s 2024, and I am testing 15 different Celeste figs to compare their traits side by side, and to date, I’ve also tested well over 30 Hardy Chicago varieties for comparison purposes.

Some may say it’s a waste of time, money, or energy, but these observable differences exist and if I can find a superior strain of Celeste, I would feel really good about that.

For example, English Brown Turkey figs are generally not the tastiest and often split in humid climates, absorbing water into their skin that inevitably ruins the fruit. However, not all English Brown Turkey figs are exactly the same. As I’ve said earlier: maybe some mutations or epigenetic differences can be observed. 

In fact, some growers in the Northeast prefer a variety called Fehmarn because it splits less and performs better in the rain compared to other English Brown Turkey varieties.

These observable differences can be applied to many other types of figs. For instance, "The One" has a hang time of only 1-2 days, which is much shorter than any other Celeste I've grown. "Stallion," another Celeste, has a stronger berry flavor. Figs within each category can differ in growth rate, shape, skin, ripening periods, and many other traits.

Now you’re completely aware of the topic of synonyms within fig trees, the problems they create, how grouping them may help, and the observable differences there may be and could be worth exploring.

To learn more about the many fig varieties, I would highly recommend visiting the variety directory, here.