Grasse

Condit Monograph

Grasse, (syns. Figue de Grasse, Matarassa, Figue Grisé’, Ficus carica grassensis Risso, Grassenque; the last according to Du Breuil and Eisen). Described by Bernard (1787), Duhamel (1809), Risso (1826), Noisette (1829), Couverchel (1839), Duchartre (1857), Hogg (1866), Du Breuil (1876), Sauvaigo (1889), and Eisen (1888, 1901). Bernard recorded this variety in 1787 as Figue de Grasse, and all other authors followed this nomenclature until 1889, when Sauvaigo called it Matarassa. The account by Duhamel followed very closely that of Bernard, as in fact did several others, mostly without giving credit. Figue Castex (Grasse) described by Ounous (1863) may be the same variety. With the exception of Hogg, British authors ignore the variety, at least under the name Grasse. However, P.I. No. 18,850 was received in California with the Chiswick collection under the label Grasse, and fruited in various collections. At Riverside, this introduction proved to be a violet-fruited variety, identical with Bourjassotte Grisé. The following description is after that of Eisen, who reported it to be highly recommended for rich bottom lands.

Tree is vigorous, with 3-lobed leaves. Figs very large, 8 to 9 inches in circumference by 3 inches in length, turbinate, with flattened apex; neck short; ribs distinct; stalk very short; eye open; skin thin, light yellow, with delicate bloom; pulp very dark red. A handsome fig, of medium quality when fresh, but better when dried.

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