The blooms in the area dedicated to the progenitors of fruit trees are predominantly composed of plants from the Rosaceae family, which encompasses a great variety of temperate fruit-bearing species.
The blooms in the area dedicated to the progenitors of fruit trees are predominantly composed of plants from the Rosaceae family, which encompasses a great variety of temperate fruit-bearing species.

6e. Progenitors of fruit trees

This area of our orchard is dedicated to the progenitors of some of the current fruit trees. Many fruits such as apples, pears, apricots, peaches, and persimmons are the result of a long process of domestication and varietal crosses.

This area features Pyrus communis subsp. pyraster (wild pear), which is a naturally occurring species in central Europe and western Asia, and is recognized as the wild ancestor of the earliest cultivated pear varieties. Malus sylvestris and Malus sieversii are cultivated here;these species are deeply involved in the origin of the present-day domesticated apple varieties. In addition, you may observe several Prunus species that have played an essential role in the cultivation history of fruits such as peaches, plums, and apricots.

A visit to this area provides an opportunity to understand how we have transitioned from wild species to the fruits that we currently eat.

06e Area dei progenitori dei fruttiferi