Deep Purple Fig — A Rare Wild Discovery from Western Australia
Discovered by Benjamin Wielstra in January 2024, the Deep Purple fig is a remarkable new find from the wild wetlands south of Perth in Western Australia. Growing naturally among caprifigs in the region’s limestone and wetland ecosystems, this seedling variety stands out for its thin green skin and rich, dark pulp that turns almost black when fully ripe. The flavour is indulgent and complex, with notes of mulberry and dark plum. Although it’s not yet known whether Deep Purple is a common or Smyrna type, early cuttings show it is easy to root and well suited to local conditions. This exciting discovery highlights the incredible diversity of Australia’s fig landscape and the potential for unique new varieties to emerge from the wild.
