The main crop of the «common» type fig cv. 'Rampelina' exhibited a three-stage growth cycle: two periods of rapid development interrupted by a slow growth phase; the climacteric and the increase in ethylene occurred in the latter rapid stage. The compositional and physiological changes marking fruit development were recorded in fruits divided by weight into six groups. Figs in the highest weight group harvested at cell distension showed an increase in ethylene production commensurate with the onset of ripening. Respiration always increased at mid-August, though in figs under 30g without changes associated with ripening. Examination of morphological changes in flowers evinced various development stages.