Common figs don’t grow on trees!
In fact, these gorgeous figs were hand picked from a sandy beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The Common Fig, sometimes called a paper fig, is a very thin, fragile looking seashell. So thin, compared to the heavy Florida fighting conch, it’s surprising that it will wash up on the beaches of the Gulf Coast in one piece! Even more beautiful than it is fragile, the common fig (Ficus communis) comes in colors from off-white to tan, sometimes with undertones of blue, giving it a purplish cast. Inside, the shell is a glossy tan. With its crisscrossing ribs and intricate, low spire, this pear shaped shell is very easy to identify.
This beach treasure is common in shallow, sandy water. An abundant seaside souvenir, the common fig is found on beaches from North Carolina to Florida and Mexico. They can reach up to 5″ in length. Our family has found plenty of these lovely seashells on the white sand shores of Sanibel Island, Florida.
What’s for lunch? The carnivorous common fig especially likes sea urchins.
~I think I’ll just stick to Fig Newtons!
As far as “common” seashells go, I think common figs are remarkably photogenic beach treasures! What do you think?
Have a great day at the beach!
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