Why Figs Are Sometimes Called ‘Non-vegetarian Fruit’

In India, it often comes to mind when we think of dry fruits, cashews, raisins, walnuts, almonds, and figs. However, many people are unaware that figs are sometimes considered non-vegetarian due to the unique way they are naturally grown and ripened. The common fig is cultivated in Iran, throughout the Mediterranean region, and in other parts of the world with similar climates.

Here’s how figs grow:

Wasps play a crucial role in the development of fig trees, and the relationship between wasps and figs is a fascinating example of mutual dependence. Figs rely on wasps for pollination, while wasps use figs as a breeding ground for their larvae.

Wasps enter the fig: Female wasps enter the fig through a tiny pore called an ostiole to lay their eggs. As they enter, they unintentionally carry pollen from the fig they previously visited, enabling pollination. Pollination: As the wasp moves around inside the fig, the pollen from the previous fig spreads to the flower parts of the new fig, resulting in pollination.

The life cycle of a wasp: The wasps lay their eggs within the fig, and the larvae develop inside its tissues. The male wasps hatch first and are responsible for fertilizing the eggs. After mating with the females, the males push out the eggless females and eventually die inside the fig. The female wasps emerge from the eggs, gather pollen, and leave the fig, searching for another to lay their eggs.

Wasp death and nutrient absorption: Not all wasps escape the fig. Many die inside, and the fig’s enzymes break down their bodies. This process allows the fig to absorb the wasps as nutrients, aiding its growth and development. This entire cycle is vital for both species: figs depend on wasps for pollination, and wasps depend on figs for reproduction.

Leave a Comment