RECORD: Darwin, C. R. n.d. [Abstract of Willdenow's observation on genus ficus]. CUL-DAR49.145. Edited by John van Wyhe (Darwin Online, http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

REVISION HISTORY: Transcribed by Christine Chua and edited by John van Wyhe 4.2021. RN1

NOTE: See record in the Darwin Online manuscript catalogue, enter its Identifier here. Reproduced with permission of the Syndics of Cambridge University Library and William Huxley Darwin. The volume CUL-DAR49 contains notes for Natural selection chap. 3 on 'On...organic beings occasionally crossing' or dichogamy.


1

[145]

Annals of Botany vol 2/314 = (1806=)

Willdenows Observa[tion] on genus ficus

The Fig commonly cultivated in our gardens never produces perfect seeds & in (p. 316) [illeg] as female tree.

p. 315 in aboriginal countries there are male fig trees wh never ripen fruit – There are taller female figs wh do not produce fruit without male tree stands near –

There are 3 smaller hermaphrodite trees – The hermaphrodite wd also cultivate in our gardens & grows spontaneously in Spain &c but is scarce in the Greek Isd & temperate parts of Asia

There are other cases of hermaphrodite tress in dioicous plants as in the Carob tree.

When male fig is sufficiently expanded there is orifice at end, as then is at proper term in female fig sufficiently by to admit free ingress & egress of insects - this supposes insects carry pollen.


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Citation: John van Wyhe, ed. 2002-. The Complete Work of Charles Darwin Online. (http://darwin-online.org.uk/)

File last updated 26 July, 2023