Tree of 40 Fruit, A Hyper Hybrid Tree That Grows Over 40 Varieties of Heirloom Stone Fruits

40 Fruit Tree

Artist Sam Van Aken has created the amazing “Tree of 40 Fruit“, a hybrid tree that can grow over 40 varieties of stone fruits in various shades of pinks, purples and oranges. Using the process of chip grafting, Van Aken propagated the tree in order to preserve a number of heirloom varieties that have been marketed out of existence.

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.

National Geographic recently interviewed Van Aken about the project.

Tree and Fruit

Fruit

Fruits

images via Tree of 40

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.