Mysore Fig
(Ficus Mysorensis) Florida State Champion
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Pictures from the 2021/22 Over The Top Christmas Lights show. See more at 2021 Christmas Lights Picture Gallery.
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Visit the Over The Top Christmas Lights site by clicking on the picture above. Welcome to Mysorefigtree.com
This is the home site for the Florida State Champion Ficus Mysorensis
otherwise known as the Mysore Fig. The tree was planted in 1896. It was brought to the United States from Mysore, India which lies in
southern India. Go to Mysore, India
for more information.
It was the custom of the time to plant unusual trees to mark the property
lines therefore it was planted at the corner of the lot where it still stands
today, 127 years later. The tree has grown to a height of over 93', a
crown spread of over 130', and a circumference of about 40'.
The roots which are the main attraction of the
tree have grown to over 6' above ground. The tree has seen many storms and much severe weather through the years and it shows. Just look at the tree and you will see the damage. Hurricane number 5 hit land at 14798 Jonathan Harbour Drive, Punta Rassa, FL in 1910 with 110mph winds. Measuring as the crow flies would only be 6 miles away. The tree only being in the ground for 14 years suffered major damage that can be seen today. In 1960, Hurricane Donna passed just a couple miles east causing much damage. Cold weather has also played a big part in the tree's growth history. The extreme cold weather in the early 1980's caused severe damage and the loss of many very large limbs. It was at this time we had thought the tree was dead but budded back out several months later. 2004 brought forth many hurricanes and again much damage. This damage can be see about 10 feet from the ends of all the major limbs showing that in the past five years it has grown about 10 feet. This tree became part of our family when the house and land were purchased in 1971. The house that came with the property was the fifth house built in Estero and was removed in 1977. Many years were spent cleaning the yard and making the tree and surroundings what they are today. In 1999, with the help of the Estero Historical Society this Mysore Fig tree was named the Florida State Champion Ficus Mysorensis. There is a constant stream of lookers as they drive by many of which will stop, take pictures, and ask questions which are gladly answered. It takes an average of six hours a day to keep the area clean so that people can visit and enjoy. It makes all the work done worthwhile when people stop, take pictures, and ask questions. It is thought that this tree is the number one photographed single item in Estero. On August 13, 2009, Earl Brooks the owner of the property turned 93 which is the same year the tree turned 113. To celebrate his birthday a surprise birthday party was planned. Family and friends sent 123 bithday cards to him and were given to him on this day. You can see pictures of the party in the Gallery. This tree with its size is one of the largest of its kind in the United States of America. One of the other large trees can be found in California and is about 45' tall. The largest one in Hawaii is about 80 years old and is located on the grounds of Building 692, Grant Hall, at the Waianae & McCornack Rd intersection, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The trunk diameter at breast height is about 8'. The height is about 75' tall. The crown spread is about 125'. This magnificent Mysore Fig which serves as benchmark of the Schofield Barracks Historic District was designated in 2001 as an Exceptional Tree of the City and County of Honolulu. Check out the pictures of this tree shown in the Gallery. These pictures are provided by Patrick Ching, Agronomist at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Here are two interviews done by the local news of Earl Brooks and the Mysore Fig tree. One was done in 1993 and the other in 1999. They are both short so take a few minutes and see what he has to say.
Interview about the Mysore Fig Tree in 1993 Interview about the Mysore Fig Tree in 1999 Please keep in mind that the majority of the information has been
passed down over time and cannot be confirmed or is the opinion of author but
we have done our best to give accurate information. The great interest in the
tree is what has prompted this web site to be developed. We encourage
visitors to the area to stop by and look, take pictures, ask questions, and
even taste the homemade Mysore Fig Jelly made from the fruit of the tree. Use the links above to find out more information about the Ficus Mysorensis, location, FAQs, and to see more photos. Please take time to check it all out. Check back often as I will be adding pictures and information as it is available. All website content copyrighted ©
03/19/2009
All Rights Reserved Pab1234@comcast.net |
What is New?
The newest updates will be highlighted in RED. The previous
changes made to the site will be in PINK; and GREEN will
be used for the oldest updates.
Next Yard Sale The Next Group Yard Sale will be October 19th. If you would like to sign up to sell your stuff send an email to pab1234@comcast.net with your name, let me know how much space you need, a general list of items you will bring, and any questions you have, and I will add you to the list. If you need to know what you will be responsible for click here or if you want more information click here. It will start around 7am. Hope to see all there. To receive updates on the yard sale you will need to sign up to the newsletter here. Jelly We will continue making jelly for the season. We have 35 varieties some in full sugar and some in half sugar. The jellies are made and sold year around. They are available for purchase when I am home so stop by and pick some up soon. I now ship up to 6-6oz or 12-3oz jars for only $20. You can check the In Stock list here. I will try to update it at the beginning of each month. Like before all profits from jelly and other items will go right back into the continued maintenance of the Tree. New Newsletter Feature I now have a new newsletter feature where you can subscribe to different newsletters. You have a choice of newletters of Mysore Fig Tree, Over The Top Christmas Lights, Group Yard Sale, and the Mango list. You can sign up for one or all or any of your choice. Just go to Newsletter Sign-Up Page and click on Subscribe to our Newsletters. This will take you to the list of newsletters with descriptions. Fireman I made a great find. While looking at a couple Mysore Fig Trees in Bonita Springs, Florida at the Shangri-La Resort I found out that a Fireman had been carved from the wood. I found the Fireman and took some pictures. You can check out the pictures in the gallery. Hope you enjoy the pictures. This statue has been removed and at this point I am not sure where it went. The Big Fig Problem Are you a math person or do you like to figure things out. I have made a math problem that when answered you will know how many figs are produces per year by the tree and how many can be used to make jelly with. Go to The Big Fig Problem for the problem. To check your answer go to The Big Fig Problem Solution. Please let me know what you think or if you have problems. |
Earl Brooks passed away January 6, 2012. He was at Hope Hospice Joanne's House in Bonita Springs.
He died of natural causes at the age of 95. He enjoyed talking to anyone that would stop to look at the tree.
He also loved sharing his mango jelly that he would make with loving hands. The official obituary can be found
here.
I set this website up several years
ago to continue his work of sharing information about the tree.
He was buried January 10, 2012 in Bonita Springs, Florida where there was
a grave site service. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to continue his work of spreading information
about the tree, to maintain the tree,
and provide an area so all can visit and enjoy its beauty. Donations can be made in person, by mail
(address), or online. |
Thanks For Visiting Mysorefigtree.com!!!
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