Sam Van Aken, an artist professor from Syracuse University which loves art and has well enough knowledge about phytology, was able to create this wonderful tree. This tree bears 40 type of fruits and keeps producing from July to October.
In 2008, while looking for specimens to create a multicolored blossom tree as an art project, Van Aken acquired an orchard from the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, which was closed due to funding cuts.
But he didn’t give up and started planting different types of scion. Other farmers from other places also supported him by sending scions, he planted 40 scions in 5 years and kept on maintaining them and analyzing their blossoms, eventually he grafted them together on the campus of Syracuse University.
Incredible tree
“one of the goals for producing this tree with such characteristics was to display it in public environments. When people see this tree the one feature which attracts the most attention is its different type of leaves with different colors and shapes. This tree has beautiful flowers and leaves so that you can compare it to a magnificent rainbow” Says Van Aken. This artist created many versions of this tree and placed them in museum, community centers and private art collections around the state.
During summer when different types of fruits show themselves on its branches, this tree makes the view of campus extraordinary. Van Aken had produced 16 Trees of 40 Fruit, installed in a variety of private and public locations, including community gardens, museums, and private collections.
Professor Van Aken has many request from state institutes asking him to embellish their complexes.