The unknown figs from AJ's private collection

We have acquired a collection of fig varieties sourced from a local collector, AJ, who gathered figs during his travels across the world. AJ lived in the Austin area with his parents and young children. AJ's parents came to America from Macedonia and brought their love of figs. AJ traveled across the world to Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia - searching for fig trees where he would take a cutting and bring back to his home in Georgetown to grow, cultivate, and share with his family. He collected over 200 varieties from his travels to places like Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Congo, Ghana, Ethiopia, Vietnam, India, China, Guam, Malaysia, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, and more. These unnamed fig varieties were grown and enjoyed alongside many commonly known fig varieties, bringing AJ's total collection to over 400 varieties! Trees were grown in containers and in ground; container figs were grown in 35g, 15g, and 7g pots.

How Lewis Figs discovered AJ's private collection.

Due to unforeseen circumstances in late 2024, AJ and his family were no longer able to maintain and care for such an extensive collection of fig trees. Over half of the collection was brokered for sale through a third party where Lewis Figs discovered the collection. We were stunned at the mature sizes of the trees and the diversity of the collection. Dozens of rare, unique, or popular known varieties like Calderona di Miner, Coll de Dama's, Luxor, Nuestra Senora del Carmen, Allix, several LSU varieties, and many more. But what really stood out to us were the 200+ varieties named after cities in countries where figs are not native such as Sibolga, a port town in Indonesia, or Katwe a city in Uganda. Some were named after landmarks such as Ambala Rajamaha Viharaya, a temple in Sri Lanka; or Nagadowa Falls Yellow, a waterfall in Sri Lanka. When AJ traveled to these countries, he sought out fig trees and brought back cuttings, naming the trees after the location where the cutting was taken. He grew them over the years, and it is said that they enjoyed fruit from each variety with his family. 

Lewis Figs acquired over half of AJ's private collection in December 2024. Our goal is to continue the legacy of this unique collection by growing, tracking fruit production, hardiness, vigor, fruit characteristics, and fruit quality. We will also be selling cuttings from AJ's Collection for those that want to participate with us!

What we don't know

Consider this our disclaimer about trees from AJ's private collection. We only know where each tree came from, and that each variety fruited. Because the common fig is not native to all of the areas where AJ traveled and collected cuttings, we don't know if the variety is common, Smyrna, San Pedro type, or a Caprifig. Is it another type of ficus altogether? Are they known varieties that were imported and grown in the acquired location? How is the fruit quality? Are they cold hardy? We're curious too. We'll be answering all of these questions in 2025 and sharing our findings with you. We will keep the name given by AJ to each variety unless the variety proves to be the same as a known variety. 

For now, if you want to join us on the journey, we have some cuttings available here 

Varieties of AJ's private collection acquired by Lewis Figs