We are joined by Lloyd Kreizter, also known as the fig man. Lloyd has been a fig hobbyist and germplasm collector for many years in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area.
Today, Lloyd joins us to talk about the history and origins of the fig, the adaptability and variability of the fig, and the light and passion the fig inspires in himself and others.
Visit Lloyd’s website at landofenfigment.com
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Thanks again Frank for a great interview. I have often wondered how our figs produce fruit without a flower and now I know. Lloyd gives testament to the ideal that careful observation of nature can reveal many secrets. I will be paying closer attention to what our figs can reveal to us in the future.
Saludos
Great episode! My family is from Greece and I’ve always had a fascination with the most hardy fruit of the Aegean. I can definitely attest to Lloyd’s claims of the tree surviving in the most extreme conditions. I have seen a fig tree withstand the elements in the most precipitous conditions for years, while all other flora disappears. Figs are truly a wonder of nature.
I wonder if Lloyd has had any experience with the harmful effects of fig “milk” or sap. I found out the hard way one summer when I was trimming a tree on our family land. The sap dripped onto my skin and later that day I had blisters on the very spot. Apparently if you don’t wash it off immediately it can burn the skin. I wonder if this only occurs in certain varieties (I don’t know the name but we have a typical Greek Green fig).
Though while the sap may be harmful to humans, apparently it has no effect on animals. A fun fact for the permaculturalist out there is that sheep and goats adore fig leaves.
Cheers