In Krolevets, Sumy region, in the Andriivka area, there grows an apple tree that over more than two hundred years has turned into an entire orchard. Its branches bend to the ground, take root, and rise again as new trees, so one tree covers about ten hundred square meters. It is a botanical natural monument of national significance, one of the gems of Ukraine’s nature reserve fund, and was among the nominees of the “7 Wonders of Ukraine” campaign.
How the apple tree saves itself
The original mother trunk of the apple tree has long since disappeared. Instead, there are about 15 trunks-branches that have taken root in the ground. When one trunk dies, the branch bends down, roots itself — and a new tree grows from the branch, which again blooms and bears fruit abundantly. Until then, this ability of the apple tree for vegetative reproduction was unknown. In 1970, there were 9 trunks lying on the ground with diameters of 30–40 cm, and by 2008 their number had almost doubled. All attempts to grow a similar apple tree elsewhere have failed.
Legends and the princely grave
According to legend, the apple tree was planted over 220 years ago by the gardener of Prince Meshchersky, who lived and is buried in Andriivka. In the shade of the branches still lies the tombstone of Prince Petro Serhiiovych Meshchersky (1780–1848), so the apple tree is also called the “princely” apple tree. Locals say it blooms every year, but only one half bears fruit each time while the other half rests. The apples are sweet with a tartness. There is also a belief that the apple tree spreads like a gooseberry bush because it was once cursed.
The breeder Ivan Michurin also wrote about the Krolevets miracle apple tree and requested cuttings to be sent to him.
Under protection
The tree was declared a local natural monument in 1972, and in December 1998 its status was elevated to national by a Presidential Decree. The plot covers 0.1 hectares and is cared for by the Krolevets Station of Young Naturalists. The apple tree is part of the “10 Places of Power” route of Sivershchyna.
How to get there
Address: Krolevets, Andriivska Street, 71. Krolevets lies on the Kyiv — Hlukhiv highway and on the railway. The apple tree looks most beautiful in May, when it blooms.
What to consider
Do not break branches or walk on the rooted trunks. Krolevets is in the north of Sumy region, closer to the border with Russia: before traveling, check the security situation and restrictions of the Sumy Regional Military Administration.
