International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 368-380 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 369 for research, especially in the context of climate change and sustainable agriculture (Liu et al., 2012; Ammar et al., 2020). Figs are rich in nutrients, particularly high in iron and copper, making them a valuable food source (Hiwale and Hiwale, 2015). The historical and ongoing use of figs in traditional medicine highlights their potential as a new and diverse source of bioactive compounds with significant medicinal properties (Barolo et al., 2014). Studying its botanical features can offer insights into its growth patterns, reproductive biology, and cultivation potential in various environments. Furthermore, the fig tree plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation, acting as a keystone species in many ecosystems, providing food and habitat for numerous organisms. Investigating its ecological adaptability can help explore the potential for expanding fig cultivation in regions facing environmental challenges. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the botanical characteristics and ecological adaptability of fig (Ficus carica L.), covering its morphological structure, growth habits, and reproductive features, with a particular focus on its adaptation mechanisms in drought and nutrient-poor environments. The study integrates current findings on the morphology, physiology, and ecological functions of figs, highlighting their importance in agriculture, ecology, and economics. This study seeks to enhance fig production levels, explore new uses for this ancient and versatile plant, and deepen the understanding of its role in food security, health, and sustainable agriculture. 2 Morphological Characteristics of Ficus carica 2.1 Tree structure Ficus carica L. is a deciduous tree or large shrub that typically grows to a height of 3 to 10 meters. Its trunk is usually short and stout, supporting a broad crown. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown, developing longitudinal fissures as the tree ages. The branches are thick, fleshy, and highly flexible, exuding a milky latex when damaged, which is characteristic of the Moraceae family. The branches can spread extensively, covering a large area. This structural adaptability helps maximize sunlight capture and improve photosynthetic efficiency (Khadivi et al., 2018; Nuzzo et al., 2022). The leaves of Ficus carica L. exhibit significant morphological variability. They are generally large, lobed, and have a rough texture. Leaf length can range from 62.20 mm to 138.00 mm, while leaf width varies from 41.00 mm to 153.00 mm, indicating a high level of phenotypic diversity among different genotypes (Khadivi et al., 2018). This variability in leaf morphology aids in the tree's adaptability to different environmental conditions, enhancing its survival and growth in diverse habitats (Khadivi et al., 2018; Nuzzo et al., 2022). 2.2 Root system The root system of Ficus carica is typically extensive and shallow, consisting of both a primary taproot and a well-developed network of lateral roots. This root architecture provides strong anchorage and efficient nutrient and water uptake from the soil (Hong et al., 2020; Ling et al., 2022). Studies have shown that in well-drained soils, the taproot of Ficus carica can penetrate deeply, providing stability to the tree and drawing water from deep underground sources, which is crucial for the survival of fig trees during drought seasons (Ammar et al., 2020). In contrast, the lateral roots spread extensively just below the soil surface, allowing the tree to efficiently utilize water from light rains and absorb nutrients from the upper soil layers. Additionally, the root system of fig trees is highly adaptable to various soil types and moisture levels, including sandy, loamy, and even rocky soils. A study showed that fig trees exhibited good growth performance in sandy soils (BRIS soil) under the tropical climate of Malaysia (Azmi et al., 2020). Ma et al. (2020) found that in rocky soils with lower moisture levels, the radial expansion of fig tree roots was significantly greater than their depth distribution in deeper soils, ensuring effective resource absorption. This adaptability enables fig trees to thrive in a wide range of environmental conditions, from arid and semi-arid to humid subtropical regions (Hong et al., 2020; Ling et al., 2022).
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