A new item added to an existing collection. In the case of fig varieties, it is the addition of a specific sample. A fig variety name may be associated with the accession, but accessions are usually tracked through a unique identifier that keeps specific samples separate from others which may have the same name. For example, the NPGS has the specific identifier DFIC 63 for a submission of the Violette de Bordeaux variety.

Plural, achenes. A dry, indehiscent, one-seeded fruit. Though figs are often referred to as fruits, they are actually containers for the dozens or hundreds of individual tiny fruits or "pips" contained within a single fig. Each achene contains a single seed, surrounded by a hard ovary wall.

A chemical substance that neutralizes alkalis, dissolves some metals, and turns litmus red. At the chemical level, it is a molecule that can donate a proton or accept an electron pair in reactions. Acidity is measured by pH. A pH below 7 is acidic. The lower the pH, the higher the acidity. Acids with lower pH's can be hazardous. pH plays an important role in fig growth. Soils which are overly acidic can stunt fig tree growth and may require amendments (often via garden lime or wood ash). Acidity is also a factor in fig flavor. Acidic figs have a "sharpness" or "tartness", usually attributed to vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Some enjoy this flavor, especially when balanced with sugar and other flavors. Others have a clear preference for avoiding acidic figs. In contrast, see Alkali.

In a climbing plant, a leaf produced by the mature plant, which is physically distinct from the leaves produced by the immature plant.

A prolonged apex, usually narrowed.

Taper-pointed; gradually tapering.

Sharp-pointed.

The AF "strain" of the Genovese Nero is attributed to him.

One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called Adriatic Type. Varieties of the Adriatic Family are most easily identified by the green skin, sometimes turning yellow when ripe, and the red interior. Often with a dense strawberry flavor.

Out of the proper or usual place.

Propagation by wrapping moss around branches still attached to tree. Often referred to within the fig community as "air layering".

Also referred to as "base". A chemical compound that neutralizes or effervesces with acids and turns litmus blue. At the chemical level, it is a molecule that can readily receive a proton or donate an electron pair in reactions. Alkalinity is measured by pH. A pH above 7 is alkaline. The higher the pH, the higher the alkalinity. Alkalis with higher pH's can be hazardous. pH plays an important role in fig growth. Fig trees prefer soils which are alkaline. Acidic soils can stunt fig tree growth and may require amendments (often via garden lime or wood ash) to increase the alkalinity. Latex (fig sap) is alkaline and can be caustic, even burning the skin, especially when exposed to sunlight. Unripe figs can have an excess of latex, and produce a very distasteful flavor and even an unpleasant sensation on the tongue and lips. In contrast, see Acid.

An allele is a variation of the same sequence of nucleotides at the same place on a long DNA molecule. The word "Allele" is a short form of "allelomorph".

Only one at a place, as leaves.

Veins forming a network.

Andreas Pratras from Patra, Peloponnisos, Greece: He sheds a lot of light on Greek varieties and there may be a few fig varieties circulating within the US that are sourced from him.

Both male and female flowers in the same cluster.

Evidence that is merely from a single or few accounts. It is considered a logical fallacy to draw accurate conclusions or generalizations based upon anecdotal evidence, not considering the many variables that contribute to a single or very narrow range of examples, time, etc. Anecdotal evidence is considered subjective versus an objective scientific study.

An edible fig, usually Ficus carica, but can be of other species. "Fig" is often in variety names, in other languages:

• Arabic: Teen
• Catalan: Fig; plural: Figues
• Chinese: wu hua guo
• French: Figue; plural: Figues
• German: Feige; Essfeige
• Greek: Sýko; (or Siko) plural: Sýka (or Sika)
• Hebrew: Te'enah; plural: Tnm
• India (Hindi): Anjir
• Italian: Fica (feminine); Fico (masculine)
• Portuguese: Figo; plural: Figos
• Spanish: Higo; plural: Higos
• Turkish: Incir

A ring, or ringlike structure.

Ending in a short-pointed tip.

Apomixis. Seed production without fertilization of the flower. Asexual reproduction.

This is the European Union's new designation, meant to replace the old Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée for recognition across the member states. It was officially adopted in January 2016. As Bordeaux wine must be produced in the Bordeaux region of France, and Champagne must be produced in the Champagne region, some fig variety names fall under AOP protection (e.g. Figue de Sollies, which is often sold as Violette de Sollies to avoid conflict with AOP protection). AOP applies to the fig "fruit", not to the variety of trees. Though not technically under AOP, other varieties outside of the European Union may also fall under protected status (e.g. Djebba has a protected variety name in Tunisia). See Protected/controlled designation of origin (PDO/AOC) for more details.

Moderately curved.

Area with a distinct boundary.

Rough to the touch.

One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called Atreano Type. This family is very balanced, which includes the features from the other more predominant characteristics of the other fig families: honey, fruitiness, and light berry.

Gradually narrowed or drawn out.

Golden.

Auriculate. With ear-like lobes. Having two lobes, often curved, often near the base.

The second main crop of figs that occurs in autumn. Sometimes called "second main crop", "fall crop", or "autumn crop".

Angle of leaf or fruit with stem.

Occurring in an axil.

BTI is a group of bacteria used as biological control agents for larvae stages of certain dipterans. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis produces toxins which are effective in killing various species of mosquitoes, fungus gnats, and blackflies, while having almost no effect on other organisms.

Honey is a flavor sometimes associated with some fig varieties and/or a term used for the nectar within a fig, which can ooze from the ostiole. Some varieties include “honey” in their names and can be translated from:

• Catalan: Mel
• French: Miel
• Greek: Méli
• Hebrew: Dvsh
• Italian: Miele
• Portuguese: Mel
• Spanish: Miel
• Turkish: Bal

In a climbing plant, a leaf produced by the immature plant, which is physically distinct from the leaves produced by the mature plant.

Some variety strains are attributed to this now closed nursery and have the BC, BN or Belleclare suffix appended to the variety names.

Sometimes called a Gateway Variety. It can refer to the fig fruit, itself. But usually refers to cuttings and or trees that have qualities that are good for beginners: widely available, common type, easy to root, cold hardy, inexpensive, and tasty. Some classic beginner varieties are Violette de Bordeaux and Chicago Hardy.

Some variety strains are attributed to this now closed nursery and have the BC, BN or Belleclare suffix appended to the variety names.

A fig variety that produces two crops: the early breba crop in late spring/early summer, and the main crop from mid-summer through early fall.

Two-lipped.

The color "black" or "dark" is often in the name of fig varieties and can be translated from:

• Catalan: Negre
• French: Noire (feminine); Noir (masculine)
• Greek: Mávros
• Italian: Nero
• Portuguese: preta (feminine); preto (masculine)
• Spanish: negra (feminine); negro (masculine)
• Turkish: siyah

Also called BFF. A recently introduced pest to southern California, causing severe damage to fig crops. See PEST ALERT – Black Fig Fly and the Black Fig Fly article on Silba adipata McAlpine.

One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called Black Madeira Type. A premium class of figs.

One of the family of fig varieties that are grouped into categories of similar characteristics. Sometimes called Black Mission Type. One of the most widely-grown commercial varieties in California.