In Lucknow, a single mango tree now produces 11 distinct varieties thanks to the passion and dedication of 60-year-old Anup Kumar Bajpai, who turned his childhood fondness for mangoes into a remarkable gardening achievement.
- A single tree yields 11 different kinds of mangoes by season's end
- Anup's childhood summers were filled with mango orchards in his village
- The project honors his late father's passion and health struggles
What happened
Anup Kumar Bajpai, a retired additional municipal commissioner from Uttar Pradesh, has cultivated an extraordinary mango tree in his Lucknow garden that bears eleven different varieties of mangoes. This unique tree results from years of grafting and care, each branch producing a distinct fruit such as Kesar, Mallika, and Dussehri. The tree attracts locals and gardening enthusiasts every summer, drawn by the variety and vibrancy of its fruit.
His journey to this achievement began with his childhood memories in the village of Tikariya, where summers were spent climbing mango trees and enjoying fresh fruit with cousins. These early experiences sparked a lifelong affection for mangoes. After a 32-year government career, Bajpai finally dedicated himself to this passion following retirement in March 2026, creating a living reminder of his heritage and family bonds.
Why it feels good
The mango tree is more than just a garden curiosity; it embodies personal history and emotional connection. For Anup, it is a way to relive the joy of his village childhood and the warmth of family gatherings spent around mango orchards. It also honors his father, who shared his love for mangoes and inspired his curiosity with assorted varieties despite health limitations later in life.
This story resonates as a celebration of perseverance and the simple pleasures that connect us to our past. It shows how a lifelong passion, nurtured quietly through years of hard work and waiting, can blossom into a tangible symbol of happiness and community engagement, bringing joy to all who visit the tree.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors to Anup's garden can look forward to tasting a diverse array of mango flavors from a single tree, experiencing the distinct aromas and colors of each variety. The tree acts as a living exhibit that attracts neighbors, friends, and fellow gardeners who come to admire this marvel of grafting and horticulture.
This inspiring example encourages others to explore grafting techniques and reconnect with nature. Those interested in horticulture or personal projects can follow Bajpai's example to combine creativity with tradition, potentially starting their own multi-variety fruit trees to bring a taste of home and joy into their gardens.