Fig Varieties: A Monograph - uri=ucce.ucdavis

February, 1955] Condit: Fig Varieties
471
Shunnari Asmar. Described by Grasovsky and Weitz (1932) as a “black, mediumsized
fig, rendered distinctive by a bright-red circle around the open eye”; pulp light
red; texture rather dry; seeds few.
Sidi-ben-Agous. Listed by Guillochon (1913, 1927, 1929), and described by
Minangoin (1931), as Zidi-el-Agouch. Leaves large, variable in size and shape, mostly 3-
lobed. Figs with prominent neck; eye wide open; skin smooth, violet in color; pulp light
red.
Signora (syn. Monaca at Brindisi). Described and figured by Vallese (1909) as a
variety confused with Dottato Rosso in some localities; described in detail by Donno
(1952).
Tree moderately large; leaves 3- to 5-lobed; buds and branches described by Donno
(1951a).
Breba crop none. Second-crop figs turbinate to obovate, with short, thick neck; stalk
short; ribs fairly prominent; eye open, scales violet; skin checking at maturity; color
obscure violet or almost black on the body, to yellowish rose toward the stalk; pulp
pale red, very sweet; seeds few; quality excellent, both fresh and dried.
Smari (syns. Swadi, Khussum, Shalati el Abed). Described and figured by Grasovsky
and Weitz (1932) as a very inferior fig, grown throughout Palestine. In the Gaza
subdistrict, the tree is said to be used as a stock for better varieties.
Figs small, pyriform; neck prominent; stalk short; eye open, scales spreading,
“surrounded by a distinct, grey star”; color black; pulp pale red; flavor bitter.
Sofêno. Described and illustrated by Mello Leotte (1901) and Bobone (1932). Tree
productive of two crops. Brebas pyriform, chestnut brown. Second-crop figs obliqueturbinate,
practically without neck; stalk short; color green, flushed with violet; pulp
carmine; texture coarse; quality good.
Sopa e Vinho. Described and illustrated by Bobone (1932) as a Portuguese variety,
producing one crop only at Cacela in late August and early September. Figs medium,
turbinate, with short, thick neck; stalk short; color green, tinged with violet; pulp
carmine; texture fine; quality good.
Souaba-el-Adjia Rose. Described by Guillochon (1913, 1927, 1929), and by
Minangoin (1931); the latter from Menzel Temine, Tunisia.
Leaves medium, 5-lobed; upper sinuses deep, petiolar sinuses open. Terminal bud
attenuate, green. Figs large, 3 inches long by 1-7/8 inches in diameter; shape ovoid,
triangular in cross section; eye open; skin color violet-purple; pulp light red.
Sprengel. Described by Risso (1826) as Ficus carica sprengellia. Figs above medium,
pyriform; stalk long; skin thin, checking irregularly, black in color; pulp red, hollow at
the center.
St. Domingo. A variety imported from Chile into the Union of South Africa,
producing pyriform figs, above medium in size, with short, slightly curved stalk and
thick neck; eye small, closed, with red scales; color brown to purplish brown; pulp
hollow, pinkish amber; seeds small. Tree prolific, maturing fruit over a long season. In
a letter dated February 23, 1953, Dr. Daniel du Preez, Stellenbosch, reports that this
variety is ideal for home gardens. It is also known locally as New Brunswick and
Greef’s Black.