Viikunapuut

Viikunapuut, also known as fig trees, are deciduous trees belonging to the genus Ficus in the family Moraceae. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Viikunapuut are valued for their edible fruit, known as figs, which come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and are used in both culinary and medicinal applications.

The trees can grow up to 30 meters tall and have a broad, spreading crown. Their leaves are typically ovate or elliptical, with a smooth margin and a petiole that is often winged. The flowers of viikunapuut are small, greenish-yellow, and produced in dense clusters. The fruit is a syncarp, meaning it is composed of multiple individual fruits fused together, forming a single structure.

Viikunapuut are often cultivated for their fruit, which is harvested when fully ripe. The fruit can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in preserves and jams. Some species of viikunapuut are also grown for their ornamental value, as they produce attractive flowers and foliage.

The genus Ficus includes over 800 species, with many being cultivated as ornamental plants or for their fruit. Some of the most well-known species include the common fig (Ficus carica), the weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), and the banyan fig (Ficus benghalensis). Viikunapuut are an important part of many cultures and ecosystems, providing food, medicine, and habitat for various species.