A message from the fig tree
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The fruits of fig are nutritious.
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GREAT APPEAL: A fig bonsai.
Sometimes, plants work the same way posters do; they send a message. That is, assuming that you care to read the unwritten lines. The fig tree in particular does it in style.
This tree has a great deal of mythology wound around it in many religions, probably because of this simple fact. Its edible fruits pack in vitamin C and the B complex vitamins, besides minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, magnesium a
nd some dietary fibre and protein. In fact, fig was one of the first plants to be cultivated by humans, as far back as 9400-9200 BC, even before the cultivation of wheat or legumes. Well, it doesn’t really take much persuasion to use a winning face as a mascot.
In the open garden, the fig tree can grow to a height of 3-10m. As bonsai, the fig tree raised by Indira Mehta is about a feet tall. It stands austerely erect, with its branches streaking off in straight lines along many directions, making for a great angular profile. On an ethnic floor using athangudi or terracotta tiles, it emanates a terrific appeal, one that is a curious combination of the rustic and the elegant.
“If you notice pest attacks on the fig, spray pesticides sparingly. When kept inside the apartment, you can just spray a solution of detergent and water,” advises Ms. Mehta. Water the plant just enough to keep the soil wet.
And finally, heard what the fig tree seems to be saying? That mythology is sometimes nothing more than common sense dressed up?
HEMA VIJAY
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