Fig Varieties: A Monograph - uri=ucce.ucdavis

February, 1955] Condit: Fig Varieties
409
Couverchel (1839), and Leclerc (1925). Described as De Cour or De Cuers by Bernard
(1787), Risso (1826), Du Breuil (1876), and Eisen (1901). Described as Verdale by La
Brousse (1774), Hogg (1866), and Société’ Pomologique de France (1947, probably).
Described as Trompe-Chasseur or Trompe-Cassaire by Sauvaigo (1889) and Simonet et
al. (1945). Described as Ischia Green by Miller (1768), Hanbury (1770), Forsyth (1803),
Brookshaw (1812), Green (1824), Lindley (1831), Burnette (1894), Earle (1900), Leclerc
(1925), Stansel and Wyche (1932), and Condit (1947). See Rolland (1914) for synonymy.
The fruits are illustrated in color by Duhamel and by Brookshaw.
Merlet described Figue Verte (also called Verdalle or Figue d’Espagne) as bearing few
brebas, but many second-crop figs, some of which remain on the tree over winter and
mature in the spring, hence the name, Figue d’Hiver. Garidel stated that it was also
called Trompe-Cassaire because of its resemblance to Bourjassotte, which also hangs on
the tree during winter. Eisen reported that this green fig appears unripe even when
mature; therefore, it is called Trompe-Chasseur, “hunter’s deception.” Couverchel
listed it as Figue Verte des Dames or De Guers, but did not explain the significance the
latter name, which may be a corruption of De Cuers. The suggestion of Rozier, that
Verte might be the same as Ischia Green of Miller, is accepted as correct after
comparison of descriptions by the various authors cited. Contrary to the reports of
some horticulturists, such as Hogg, Eisen, Starnes, and Gould, Ischia Green and Ischia
White are regarded here as distinct varieties. Sauvaigo referred Verte to Ficus carica
falaciosa of Risso, but this Latin terminology has not been found in the 1826 edition of
Risso, who described Figue de Cour under F. carica aulica. Langley treated Verte as a
green fig, called in France, Figue Verte and in Italy, Verdone. The latter, however, is
regarded in this monograph as distinct.
Verte is reported to be one of the better figs of Provence, especially at Grasse and
Toulon. English writers, beginning with Miller, state that the skin is thin, green, and
when fully ripe, is stained by the meat to a brownish cast; also, that the interior purple
color will stain linen or paper. As early as 1832, the William Kenrick Nursery, Newton,
Massachusetts, offered for sale trees of Green Ischia at one dollar each. In 1894, Ischia
Green was included in the Chiswick collection as P.I. No. 18,856. It has long been
grown in the southern United States, but on account of confusion with Ischia White,
reports on its behavior must be carefully evaluated. However, the variety has certainly
not been nearly so well regarded or extensively planted as have Brown Turkey, Celeste
(Malta), or Brunswick. A small commercial planting is on the place of Stoughton
Sterling, Crisfield, Maryland. Two trees have been located in California dooryards; one
in the yard of C. W. Gates, 128 Fey Drive, Burlingame; the other on the place of John
Kruttschnitt, San Mateo. Ischia Green has been received and tested at Riverside with
material from the following localities: Crisfield, Maryland; Sherman, Angleton, and San
Antonio, Texas.
The fruit is late in maturing, but of good quality. The very light production of
brebas, the small size of the main-crop figs, and its late season of maturity, are factors
sufficient