This horticultural technique involves grafting multiple varieties of apple scions onto a single rootstock. The result is a single tree capable of producing fruit from several different apple cultivars. An example of this would be a tree that yields McIntosh, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples, all from its branches.
The practice offers several benefits. It allows for fruit production from multiple varieties in a limited space, making it ideal for smaller gardens or urban environments. Furthermore, the differing pollination characteristics of the grafted varieties can enhance overall fruit set. Historically, this method has been utilized to maximize fruit production in orchards and home gardens where space and resources are constrained.