I am being a little unfair, as the fig tree did bear fruit. Two big plump figs were left to fall and be devoured by the creatures of the garden. A third was rescued before such a fate, and presented in bite size segments on a plate to my father. The tree is now bare.
Once an avid grower of all things edible, and proud owner of allotment, he no longer takes so much pleasure in the fruits of his labours and needs to be persuaded to consume his 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day.