A curious apple tree

1985/12/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Botanika

A curious apple tree has just been born in the arboriculture centre of East Malling in the London area. Against what one might think, this tree is not the monster child of uncontrolled genetic manipulation, but a product of nature.

In the 1960s a bush called Wijiak was discovered in British Columbia. When this bush has been crossed with conventional varieties of apple, apple trees have been obtained without branches. Instead of having horns they are shaped like bulges. Flowers and fruits grow in it.

The four varieties selected for the moment will have room in the gardens of gardeners. However, within about ten years, apple trees can replace common apple trees. Two advantages in favor, twice less space than conventional apple trees… and do not need pruning.