Syracuse University art professor and contemporary artist Sam Van Aken was born and raised on a farm and while his early career focused mainly on academics and his art, he never strayed far from his roots when it came to seeking inspiration. The result is a very unique tree that can grow 40 different types of fruit.
Source: ShutterstockIn 2008 during the creation of his Eden exhibit, Van Aken began grafting vegetables together in the name of creativity. Soon after he started experimenting grafting and hybridizing fruit trees. When not in bloom and/or producing fruit, Aken's Tree of 40 Fruit looks like a normal, though slightly misshapen tree. But when spring arrives and the tree starts to bloom is when it's obvious this is not your regular fruit tree.
The Tree of 40 Fruit produces an amazing harvest of fruits along with almonds and many rare and exotic varieties normally not grown in this country. Calling this process "sculpture through grafting" Van Aken has created over 16 of these trees which have been placed in public museums and private art collections all across the United States.
What do you think about this exciting tree news? Please leave your comments below. Interested in learning more about grafting? Contact Cartwright Tree Care today for assistance.