India’s Mango Tree Marvel: 300 Varieties on One Tree!

Quick Smiles:

• A single tree in India produces over 300 varieties of mangoes.
• The tree is a result of decades-long grafting efforts by Kalimullah Khan.
• The tree has gained international fame, attracting visitors from around the world.

In the quaint town of Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh, a tree stands as a living testament to one man’s dedication and ingenuity. Kalimullah Khan, now 84, has nurtured a mango tree that defies the ordinary, producing more than 300 different varieties of mangoes on its branches.

This horticultural marvel has earned Khan significant accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri award, India’s fourth highest civilian honor. “There’s so much to say about my tree. It has been nurtured with immense love, and it holds a lifetime of memories,” Khan shared.

Khan’s journey began in 1957 when he started experimenting with grafting techniques on the healthiest tree in his family’s orchard. Grafting involves attaching a branch from one tree to the rootstock of another, allowing it to grow as if it were native.

His efforts have created a tree that is not only a horticultural wonder but also a cultural symbol. Some of the mango varieties are hybrids named after notable figures, such as the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Khan’s son, Nazimullah, now oversees the daily care of this unique tree, ensuring it remains healthy and productive. The tree requires constant attention, from pest control to managing water levels, to thrive.

“People often call me a self-taught scientist, but in reality, it’s the trees who have been my teachers,” Khan reflects. “I have spent my life with these trees, and when my time comes, I wish to be laid to rest beside them, as they have always been a part of me.”

The tree has drawn the attention of growers from countries like Dubai and Iran, eager to learn from the ‘Mango Man of India.’ This remarkable creation continues to inspire and educate, much like Khan himself.

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