Ficus carica L. is the scientific name for the common fig. It's a deciduous tree or shrub that produces edible fruits.

Key Characteristics:

Deciduous leaves:

         Large, lobed leaves that fall in autumn.

Fruit:

         The fig, a syconium, which is a fleshy, inverted flower structure.

Uses:

Food:

         Figs are consumed fresh, dried, or used in jams, jellies, and other products.

Ornamental plant:

          Figs are popular ornamental trees in gardens and landscapes.

Traditional medicine:

         Figs have been used in traditional medicine for various ailments