Sam Van Aken's "Tree of 40 Fruit" is a single tree with the capacity to grow 40 different varieties of stone fruit including peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, cherries, and almonds. Created through the process of grafting, the tree results in blossoms of variegated tones of pink, crimson, and white that bloom throughout spring and will eventually become laden with a multitude of fruit through late summer and early fall. Preserving heirloom and antique fruits, the Tree of 40 Fruit is artwork as a form of conservation, representing the agricultural and cultural history of California and Silicon Valley.

The tree, located on Roth Way near the Cantor Art Center and Rodin Sculpture Garden, is one of more than 80 pieces of public art accessible on Stanford’s campus year-round.

Narration: Andrew Catanese, MA '22 and Sam Van Aken
Film: Connor Lee O'Keefe, MFA '22, and Alexandra Stergiou, MFA '22