It might come as a surprise that the majority of the trees found in Coorg are Fig trees. Amazingly, 86 different types of figs can be found in the Western Ghats, where it is grown practically everywhere.

Figs in Coorg

The fig trees surrounding Orange County, Coorg are of the cluster fig variety. Figs are also popularly called ‘Cluster Figs’, or Goolar (Gular).

Fig trees have an important role to play on Coffee Plantations as they provide the shade required by these plants. There is also more food available for birds due to fig trees, which also provides shelter for these birds. Interestingly, in historical times, Hindu and Buddhist ascetics on their way to Taxila used to consume figs during their travel.

Figs on a Fig Tree

Surprisingly, the flowers of the fig tree grow beneath the fruit. An astounding fact in this regard is that 96 different types of wasps enter a fig tree and pollinate its flowers. This causes the figs to ripen and provides birds their food, which comprises fruits and insects. Figs also act as food for squirrels and mongoose and are relished by elephants.

Figs are considered a major food and consumed as a vegetable. Tribal groups are known to survive on figs. Interestingly, figs are also used for making pickles.

A fascinating fact about a fig plant is that it is self-pollinated. Additionally, the fig plant possesses an organic nature. Figs are seasonal fruits. In the Orange County coffee plantation area, figs grow between the months of April and July. Hence if you decide to step into the Orange County, Coorg premises at this time, keep your eyes open for this marvelous fruit.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 at 7:30 PM and is filed under Flora, Plantation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.