Artist Sam Van Aken is redefining traditional art by blending art, botany, agriculture, and technology to create wonders like the Tree of 40 Fruit. His innovative approach transcends conventional boundaries.
The Tree of 40 Fruit, likened to a creation from a Dr. Seuss book, is a real tree with multiple colorful and edible fruits, a rare sight in everyday surroundings.
Where it all started
Sam, raised on a farm in Pennsylvania, is now an Associate Professor at Syracuse University. His project began in 2008 when he acquired a soon-to-close orchard with ancient stone fruit varieties.
Using grafting techniques, Sam successfully created a multi-fruit tree within the Prunus genus, preserving rare fruit variants facing extinction.
Pushing the limits
Sam meticulously grafted buds from over 250 stone fruit variants onto one stock tree, resulting in a living sculpture that bears 40 different fruits, from almonds to plums.
Color-coded branches indicate different fruits, and after 5 years of care and grafting, the tree mirrors his initial designs.
A coat of many colors on a tree
Video
Sam has produced 16 Trees of 40 Fruit, which can be found in private and public collections across various states. His vision includes expanding these unique trees in urban settings.
Each tree provides a diverse range of fruit varieties throughout the year, showcasing the beauty and abundance of nature’s bounty. Sam views the tree as a transformative work of art that challenges perceptions.
Sources
- Tree of 40 Fruit. Wikipedia. Admin. Accessed 29-08-19.
This Magical Tree Produces 40 Different Types of Fruit. Science Alert. Staff writer. Accessed 29-08-19.
Sam Van Aken’s Tree of 40 Fruit Looks a Dr. Seuss Illustration, But It’s Real. Wide Open Eats. Lyndsay Burginger. Accessed 29-08-19.
Admin. Grafting Clips – For every crop the right grafting clip. Royal Brinkman. Accessed 29-08-19
