Natural History of Gaius Plinius Secundus, Vol. 2

...it does not ripen. But when that is done, it is harvested on the fourth day, with another growing underneath; thus, it is numerous with seven harvests, abounding in much milk throughout each summer. A fruit even grows underneath if it is not scratched, four times in the summer, and it expels the previous immature one. The timber is of a peculiar kind and among the most useful. When cut, it is immediately plunged into stagnant water. This is how it is seasoned. It first sinks, then begins to float; and, for a certainty, outside moisture—which rots all other wood—flees from it. When it begins to float, it is a sign that it is ripe. Similar to this, to a certain extent, is what is called the Cyprian fig in Crete. For that, too, bears fruit on the trunk itself, and on the branches when they have grown to thickness. But this one sends out buds without any leaves, similar to roots. The trunk of the tree is like the poplar, the leaf like the elm. It pours forth fruit four times, and buds as many times. But its grossus (unripe fig) does not ripen unless the milk is released by a cut. The sweetness and the interior are that of a fig, the size that of a sorb apple.

Of the Ceraunian pod. Chapter VIII.

Similar to these is the pod, which the Ionians call Ceraunia. It, too, is fertile on the trunk, but the fruit is a pod. On account of this, some have called it an Egyptian fig, by a manifest error. For it does not grow in Egypt, but in Syria and Ionia, and around Gnidus, and in Rhodes; it always has foliage, a white flower with a vehement odor; it is plant-bearing in the lower parts, and therefore yellowish on the surface, with the offspring taking away its own. The fruit of the previous year having been removed around the rising of the Dog Star, it immediately produces another; afterwards, the flower, with the fruit nourishing it through the winter and Arcturus.

Of the Egyptian psica and the Egyptian thorn. Chapter IX.

Egypt also has a persica tree of its own kind, similar to a pear tree, which keeps its leaves. Its fertility is continuous...