In the heart of Philadelphia, Temple University has become home to a unique living artwork: the Tree of 40 Fruits. Created by Sam Van Aken, a contemporary artist known for blending horticulture with art, this grafted tree produces an astonishing array of 40 different types of stone fruits, such as apricots, cherries, peaches, plums, and more.

A Fusion of Art and Horticulture

The Tree of 40 Fruits is not simply a botanical creation; it is an intersection of artistic expression and horticultural science. Van Aken’s unique approach allows students from various disciplines, including art, horticulture, and landscape architecture, to explore the fusion of creativity and sustainability.

The students participate in the grafting process—attaching branches from different fruit trees to a single trunk—learning how this ancient agricultural technique can preserve rare fruit varieties while creating something entirely new.

This project serves as both a practical and educational experience. Over the next two years, Temple University students will not only learn about grafting but also explore the cultural significance of fruit varieties in the region, including both indigenous and introduced species.

Grafting: A Skill Rooted in History

At the heart of this creation lies the centuries-old technique of grafting, which Van Aken explained has been used in agriculture since at least 1800 BCE. The process involves joining the rootstock of one tree with the branch of another to combine their best characteristics.

This allows for the preservation of specific traits, such as flower production or fruit quality, while also ensuring that the tree remains resilient and adaptable to various climates.

Van Aken emphasized the importance of grafting not only in terms of creating hybrid trees but also in preserving heirloom fruit varieties. He shared that many of these varieties have been “lost” to commercial agriculture over the years, which is why his work is so significant.

“For me, what’s become really interesting in my discovery process is that these heirloom fruits aren’t just agricultural products,” Van Aken said. “They are cultural objects and embedded in them aren’t just nutritional aspects or tastes, it’s actually the history of civilizations around the world.”

Cultural Significance and Educational Opportunities

In addition to the technical aspects of the project, the Tree of 40 Fruits also offers a rich opportunity to explore the historical and cultural significance of fruit cultivation. Van Aken’s vision goes beyond simply creating a tree with multiple varieties of fruit. He aims to educate students and the public about the cultural narratives that each of these fruits carries.

“These fruits are not just agricultural products,” he explained, “they are cultural objects.”

The fruits on the tree represent the agricultural exchange between different cultures and civilizations, making this project a testament to the interconnectedness of nature and history.

During his lecture at Temple University, Van Aken encouraged students to reflect on the role of agriculture in shaping societies throughout history. The lecture also provided a hands-on experience where students had the chance to graft their own trees, learning the delicate art of splicing branches to create new life.

This interaction between art and horticultural education is a key aspect of the project. “Bringing an artist to campus whose medium is trees is such an exciting opportunity,” said Sasha Eisenman, associate professor of horticulture at Temple.

“Seeing how art, science, and nature intersect is valuable for our students as they navigate their careers and align their passions with their professional pursuits.”

Artistic Workshops: Cyanotypes and Botanical Art

In addition to the grafting workshops, Van Aken also led students in an artistic exploration of the botanical world through cyanotypes. This traditional photographic technique involves exposing a light-sensitive solution to UV light, creating beautiful blueprints of natural objects.

Using both fabric and paper, students experimented with natural materials, learning how to blend the worlds of art and science. For many students, including Jami Deluca, a junior photography major, this experience was eye-opening.

“Talking with Sam, I realized he’s almost like a detective—tracking down rare plants, researching their history and preserving them through his work,” Deluca said. “We see the finished cyanotypes, but behind them is this deep scientific process, from gathering materials to the chemistry of printing.”

Van Aken’s workshops illustrate the larger philosophy behind the Tree of 40 Fruits—to encourage an appreciation for how art can be used to preserve and communicate the natural world’s intricate beauty and historical significance.