Mango lovers usually enjoy popular varieties like Kesar, Hapus (Alphonso), and Langda. Ever imagined various forms of mangoes from one tree? In a unique phenomenon, Gujarat’s Gir region witnessed 14 different types of mangoes borne by a single tree.

A tree in the residential premises of farmer Ukabhai Bhatti, bears 14 different types of mangoes, each with a distinct taste and variety. Bhatti lives in a remote village of Ditla near Dhari in Amreli. 

The Dhari region has long been at the forefront of mango cultivation across the Saurashtra region. Farmers here have successfully increased mango production through innovative methods. Bhatti, who pioneered the successful experiment of growing 14 mango varieties on one tree, owns 20 bighas of land where he cultivates mango orchards

 About 25 years ago, a native mango tree was planted at his residence, which has now become the centre of this unique innovation.

A sweet-successful experiment

Bhatti carried out this successful experiment using the method of grafting through ‘Khuta Kalam’ (a traditional grafting technique). He grafted different varieties of mangoes—many of which are on the verge of extinction in other Indian states—onto the native tree. 

Among the varieties hanging from this tree are Sinduriyo, the almost-extinct Kalo Jamadar from Rajasthan, Neelam from Valsad, and several other mangoes native to Saurashtra and Gujarat. Moreover, grafts of Amrapali, Dasheri, Begum, and Nileshan have also been successfully grown on the tree.

Other unique varieties such as Naliyero, Gulabiyo, Dadmo, Variyaliyo, Sardar,, and Ashadhiyo are also flourishing on this single mango tree.

Reviving lost mango varieties

Bhatti explained that during the era of Indian Nawabs, there were around 200 mango varieties, most of which have now disappeared, leaving only a few like Kesar commonly available. Motivated to revive these lost varieties, he travelled to Maharashtra to collect rare mango branches and began this grafting experiment.

His initiative has now sparked interest among other farmers and researchers, who are visiting from different regions to study how 14 types of mangoes are growing on a single tree. As the summer month of Vaishakh approaches, the mangoes from this tree will also be sold in the market.

100 mango varieties on one tree?

Vijaysinh Barad, a horticulture officer at the Mango Excellence Center in Talala, stated that the grafting and Khuta technique has significantly advanced. Using this method, it is possible to grow up to 100 different mango varieties on a single tree. 

In the village of Bhalchhel in Talala taluka, one tree is already bearing 65 varieties. However, this method requires a high level of skill and effort, from the grafting process to ongoing tree care.