An artist in the US has created a tree which grows over 40 different types of stone fruit including peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines and cherries.
The Tree of 40 Fruit, is a project by Sam Van Aken, associate professor in Syracuse University's art department, in which a single tree is modified to bear over 40 different types of stone fruit.
The artist had recently completed a project called Eden in which he grafted vegetables and flowers together and was offered the opportunity to design an orchard.
When funding for this orchard fell through, Van Aken wanted to continue with the project, decided to graft the entire orchard onto one tree.
The grafting process includes collecting scions (young shoots or cuttings) from trees. These sections are then worked into similar sized cuts on the new tree and are bandaged.
The cutting then "heals" into the tree and is able to draw water and nutrients from the tree in the same way as any other branch. The process is possible due to the similar chromosomal structure of stone fruit trees.
Among the fruits that Van Aken uses to create his trees are peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines and cherries, 'Gizmag' reported.
"As the project evolved and I discovered that there were hundreds, if not thousands, of varieties of stone fruit compared to the three or four varieties one would find at a local grocer, I realised that I could also use the Tree of 40 Fruit Project as a means to preserve these heirloom varieties," Van Aken said.
The trees blossom in variegated tones of pink, crimson and white in spring, and in summer bear a multitude of fruit.
