The Fig Tree . . .

Okay, so I know I can’t say that the fig tree is my favorite tree because I already claimed that the olive tree is. That’s okay because I don’t like figs anyway.

I first came across fig trees when I was growing up in Fresno, where there were plenty of fig orchards (if that is what you call them). My first reaction was that they were the ugliest tree I had ever seen, probably because the orchards around Fresno were older and the trees were squatty and gnarled. But I have learned a lot about figs since then.

Here are some fascinating facts about fig trees taken from a variety of sources.

1. There are over 750 known Ficus species in the world, native all across the globe.
2. Nearly every species of fig tree is pollinated by its own distinct species of fig wasp.
3. Fig tree flowers are actually hidden inside the fruit, which led many early cultures to believe the plants to be flowerless.
4. California produces 100% of the nation’s dried figs and 98% of the fresh figs.
5. The early Olympic athletes used figs as a training food. Figs were also presented as laurels to the winners, becoming the first Olympic “medals.”
6. Eating one half cup of figs has as much calcium as drinking one-half cup of milk.  

There are many other interesting facts and figures about fig trees, and no, not one of them has convinced my taste buds to like figs. But that is not the point, or perhaps that is exactly the point. The fig tree, more than any other tree, best represents us. Not many of the varieties are pretty. Not everyone likes figs. And not everyone knows a lot about the tree. Its legacy is not as rich or pervasive as the olive tree, but that doesn’t make the fig tree any less important.

I am not writing this so that we each see that we, as individuals, have value. I am writing this so that we see that others have value—whether they are pretty or not. Whether we like them or not. Whether we know anything about them or not. All were created by God; therefore, all are interesting in their own way and all have value.

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