carica: the Latin name carica, derived from the Greek karike, which was a kind of fig, was given to the papaya, or paw paw, because of the latter's fig-like leaves. Stearns further suggests that the name refers to an area in Asia Minor called Caria, where figs were extensively cultivated. (contributed by Cynthia Powell)

[Wikipedia] Mediterranean, western & southern Asia native: The fig is the edible fruit of Ficus carica, a species of small tree in the flowering plant family Moraceae, native to the Mediterranean region, together with western and southern Asia. (contributed by Mary Ann Machi)