Near Trostyanets in the Sumy region, visitors to the dendrological park can marvel at the “13 sisters”—a group of linden trees that all grow from a single root. These sisters are about 100 years old, with each trunk reaching roughly 20 inches in diameter.
Even more astonishing, researchers found a remarkable family of trees in the Tian Shan mountains. In one gorge they came across a thicket of wild apple trees, all bearing fruit that was similar in taste, color, and appearance. The entire orchard—about 600 trees—had sprung from a single root.
Could cultivated trees do the same? That question prompted researchers to experiment. They started with grapes, planting vines on a hilly terrace. From each lower bush, they trained the vine upward. There, buried under the soil, the vine took root—creating a second bush, and from that a third on the higher terrace, and so on. The bushes on the lowest terrace act like pumps, supplying moisture to neighboring vines on the upper terraces. If any root reaches the water table, it can hydrate all the connected plants.
This planting method eliminates the need to water and fertilize each row individually. It can significantly reduce water and fertilizer use, cutting vineyard maintenance costs.
This natural wonder has inspired horticulturists to pursue promising experiments.
