Is it True That Figs Contain Wasps?
WouterFigs are a sweet, edible fruit. These fruits are typically sold in jams, and used in dessert courses. They are also popular in smoky meat dishes. However, some people may be wondering, is it true that figs contain wasps?
The truth is that figs do contain wasps. These insects are important to the fruit’s production. Figs and wasps are mutually beneficial, so they live and prosper together. These insects are essential for pollination of some fig varieties. Wasps are also necessary for fruit development in some varieties.
Most U.S.-grown figs are self-pollinating. However, a handful of figs, such as the San Pedro and Smyrna-type figs, require wasps for pollination. The female Blastophaga wasp is important in the pollination process. The female fig wasp pollinates the male fig flower and delivers the pollen to the female fig. This process is called “symbiosis” and requires an unusual pollination method.
The female fig wasp is a small insect that measures 1.5 millimeters at its full size. It is attracted to the scent of the fig tree. It then crawls into the fig via a small hole. The fig then produces a special enzyme called “ficain” that breaks down the exoskeleton of the female wasp. This enzyme then re-uses nutrients to nourish the fig.
Aside from the pollination method, figs contain other important ecological features. The fig’s inflorescence is an interesting cluster of seeds inside the bulbous stem. These seeds can then grow into fruit.
