Fig Varieties: A Monograph - uri=ucce.ucdavis

432 Hilgardia
[Vol. 23, No. 11
Cernica. Described by Eisen (1888, 1901) as a black Dalmatian fig of medium size,
introduced into California by G. N. Milco; resembles Barnissotte. Colby (1894) gave an
analysis of the fruit grown at Fresno, and described it as a medium, spherical fig of
purple color, with blood-red pulp.
Chetoui. Described by Minangoin (1931) from Dra Tamar, Tunisia. Leaves large, 3-
lobed; petiole long. Fruit large; body spherical, elongated into a distinct neck; skin thin,
black; pulp rose-colored.
Cimeirenca. Sauvaigo (1889), followed by Eisen (1901), described this as a violetblack
fig, similar in other characters to Cimeirenca Blanca.
Claveu (syns. Clou, Ficus carica clavicularis Risso). Described by Risso (1826),
Sauvaigo (1889), and Eisen (1901). Name derived from the elongated form of the fruit
(“club-shaped”).
Tree produces two crops. Leaves 3- to 5-lobed; sinuses deep; blade prolonged to a
point on the long petiole.
Brebas large, elongated-pyriform; eye protruding; skin thin, uniformly dark brown
to black; pulp carmine. Second-crop figs smaller, turbinate.
Col de Dame Noir (syns. Col di Signora Nero, or Negra, Col de Señora Negra,
Cuello- de Dama Negra, probably Fico del Giammico of Guglielmi, Bouankirk.)
Described by Audibert Frères (1854), Hogg (1866), G. S. (1869), Eisen (1888, 1901),
Starnes and Monroe (1907), Guglielmi (1908), Estelrich (1910), Priego-y Jaramillo (1922),
Mauri (1939b), Simonet et al. (1945), Delbard (1947), and Montagnac (1952). Illustration
of fruit by Eisen; of tree, leaves, and fruit by Mann. In Spain, this black fig is not so
common or so highly regarded as Col de Dame, although the fruit is said by Estelrich to
be resistant to spoilage in wet weather. In France, it is a late variety of excellent quality;
Eisen reported it as extensively cultivated near Roussillon, and as superior to Col di
Signora Bianca. Simonet reported that the tree bears only one crop and questioned the
statement of Eisen regarding a first crop. According to Mann, the name Bouankirk
signifies “long neck.” The Kabyles also designate the variety by the names D’Abouch
Takli, “breast of a negress,” and Abgait. It is widely grown in North Africa, but on
account of thickness of skin it is not dried commercially.
Col de Señora Negra was introduced into California from England by John Rock in
1883; it was not included in the Chiswick collection. P.I. No. 6,467, listed as Baalie, has
proved to be the same variety at Riverside. The following description is taken from
that of Simonet.
Leaves large, 3- to 5-lobed; margins undulate. Figs medium; average weight 45
grams; body subglobular to oval; neck elongated-cylindrical, thick; ribs prominent,
elevated; stalk very short; eye small, with dark-red scales; skin fine, but fairly resistant,
checking crisscross at full maturity; color dark violet, greenish toward the stalk; meat
white; pulp deep red, luscious; quality excellent. Season late
Colombo Nero (syn. Colummaro Nero). Described and illustrated by Vallese (1909);
description only by De Rosa (1911).
Tree bears two crops. Leaves small, asymmetrical, mostly 5-lobed.
Brebas elongated-pyriform, rounded at the apex; eye projecting, with rose-colored
scales; color violet.
Second-crop figs medium, ovoid, narrowed toward the base; stalk very short;