The Tree of 40 Fruit is an ongoing series of hybridized fruit trees by contemporary artist Sam Van Aken.

The Tree of 40 Fruit is an ongoing series of hybridized fruit trees by contemporary artist Sam Van Aken. Each unique Tree of 40 Fruit grows over forty different types of stone fruit including peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, cherries, and almonds.

Sculpted through the process of grafting, the Tree of 40 Fruit blossom in variegated tones of pink, crimson and white in spring, and in summer bear a multitude of fruit. Primarily composed of native and antique varieties the Tree of 40 Fruit are a form of conversation, preserving heirloom stone fruit varieties that are not commercially produced or available.

What is grafting?
Grafting involves collecting young shoots or cuttings from trees and then inserting these budding branches into strategic points on a base tree.
These grafts are taped into place and allowed to bond with the tree, drawing water and nutrients from it like any other branch. If the grafts take to the tree, they'll start to grow again in the spring.


Source:
http://www.samvanaken.com/?works=tree-of-40-fruit

Article:
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/imagine-a-tree-that-grows-40-kinds-of-fruit

#botanics   #treeof40   #grafting