71 year old Japanese farmer grows 11 kinds of citrus on a single tree
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This amazing tree grew out of shortage of space. Manabu Fukushima, 71, of Onga, Fukuoka, Japan combines his natural horticultural skills with the help of his neighbors to produce this tree. It bears 11 distinct citrus species found in Japan; most of the varieties were contributed by his neighbors.
Mr. Fukushima is not satisfied with this achievement; he wants to add more varieties by next year provided he could get them without any difficulty. He is able to achieve this unique tree by a method called “graft” method commonly used by gardeners. This method is achieved by adding branches from a different plant variety to an existing tree. The graft then becomes a part of the tree in time and it bears fruit within three years growth but it needs lot of attention and caring from the gardener, and Mr. Fukushima has done an incredible job. Since Japanese are famous for Bonsai gardening, this can be easily expected from them.Graft Method
This tree of Mr. Fukushima is 30 years old and bears distinctive Japanese citrus fruits like Dekopon, Hassaku Orange, Iyoyan, Amanatsu and Banpeiyu (a variety of Pummelo). Mr. Fukushima says harvesting the fruits is very fun for him.
His tree has become a local tourist attraction. Others also have done this graft method but not up to the scale of Fukushima, maybe after this other gardeners might be inspired to do the same. Here is one Sycamore tree (six trees in one) part of Amazing trees collection, was done by the grafting method.
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He says he was able to grow them for 30 years, I hope the botanists will find us a way.
Great hub and brilliant farmer, thanks.
Are you going to try this technique Bob :)
If I remember right my Grandpa grafted a peach or apricot tree branch to an almond tree back in Hungary. Something about the roots system of the almond being so much sturdier. (I wish I would have paid more attention when he discussed this with my Dad) How cool it would be to see a tree with different fruit hanging off its branches.
Great HUB
regards Zsuzsy
Thats great Zsuzy, I was wondering the same whether they could graft other fruit types also. It is very interesting.
that last picture reminded me of that place you can go and see trees like that but many variations, makes sense how they make them now.. thanx! you can buy a fruit tree at walmart that has 5 different fruits on it when it grows out, were talking oranges, apples, plums and so on, not just one kind of fruit.. kind always facinated by that... wonder if the fruit mixes like apple is sour or lemon is sweet :)
I'm not terriblly knowledgeable on the subect, but it was an entertaining read. I'd give anything to climb that tree...
That is a great tree. Amazing hub
Thank you for sharing
wow, this is unbelievable!! I love the idea, concept, style, and love the tree shape too..
Lemons are so similar in the different varieties so it would be great to see other fruits which vary tremendously in variety..
I love that last tree pic. We saw this on one of our tv shows. Not sure if same man that grew fruit trees. But the one we saw had different types of fruit a branch for each type. Its a great idea. We had a stone fruit with 2 varieties. long ago.
That is so cool!
WOW 11 citrus varieties on a single tree?Hats off to the farmer.
Great stuff-- so what to they call that tree somebody bought at Walmart with 5 kinds of fruit? I wonder if it will grow in Canada?
That Circus Tree is just about the most awesome tree I have ever seen. Post more pix of that. Come and visit sometime. http://hubpages.com/hub/GardenHowTos
wow its amazing........
Cool! Is all I can say. Must have taken a lot of patience and love.
I agree Hendrika, it rewards who are persistent and love what they do.
Thanks for the thrill of seeing that big sycamore tree. What a sight to see. I had a lemon tree that I gave to my sister when I moved. I look forward to getting another to raise.
wow? its so nice
Stacie Naczelnik 4 years ago
Interesting. It's a cool looking tree. I wonder how sustainable it is.