Apple blossom observation in Kazakhstan -
Sievers Wild Apple Autumn Tour -
The Zhongar-Alatau National Park stretches across the expanses of the Zhetysu region, where the snow-covered peaks of the Dzungarian Alatau rise into the sky, where icy streams roar, birds sing and mountain meadows bloom. This place is not just a wilderness area. This is a sacred territory for the whole world, because it is here, among the mountains and forests, that the wild Sievers apple tree (Malus sieversii) has been preserved – the ancestor of all cultivated apple varieties known to mankind. By September, the branches of the trees, many of which resemble bizarre bonsai trees formed by constant winds, bend under the weight of small fruits. These apples, which rarely exceed the size of a walnut, are a real flavor bomb. Their tart sourness is replaced by a honey aftertaste, and in some specimens, you can catch notes of wild cherries or even nutmeg. Purple-skinned fruits growing at an altitude of about 1800 meters are especially appreciated – their juice has the amazing property of not oxidizing in the air for several hours.
The Cradle of Apples -
Scientists have no doubt that it was here, in the mountains of the Dzungarian Alatau, that the history of apples began. From here, the Sievers apple tree spread through ancient trade routes along the Great Silk Road to China, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and then to Europe. Outwardly, the fruits of wild apple trees can sometimes be indistinguishable from garden ones: they can be large, fragrant, juicy, and the taste varies from sour to sweet. But the main thing is the genetic wealth. The Sievers apple tree contains a huge variety of genes, thanks to which humanity has been able to breed thousands of varieties of apples. It is resistant to frost, disease, drought and insects. This makes it invaluable for scientists and agronomists working to create new, sustainable fruit varieties. Every spring, usually in the middle of May, a miracle happens in the Tentek gorge – thousands of wild apple trees burst into bloom at the same time. Their pinkish-white flowers, so delicate in appearance, are surprisingly resistant to the vagaries of mountain weather. At this time, the air is filled with a thick aroma mixed with the smell of melting snow water and mountain grasses. Local beekeepers specially bring hives here – honey collected from these flowers has a light apple note and is appreciated as a delicacy.
Where do Sievers apple trees grow in the park -
One of the largest and purest arrays of Sivers apple trees grows on the territory of the Zhongar-Alatau Park. The Kuraily, Kora, Lepsy and Biyen gorges are especially rich in it. Here, apple forests stretch along the mountain slopes, interspersed with mountain ash, rose hips, birch, hazel and other shrubs. This is a unique natural landscape where the apple tree lives, as it did thousands of years ago – without human intervention. In spring, in May, these forests turn into a blooming garden. Pink and white petals cover the crowns, bees are buzzing, and the air is filled with a sweet fragrance. And in autumn, the trees are strewn with colorful fruits – from golden to maroon-red, with a tart or sweet taste. By September, the branches of the trees, many of which resemble bizarre bonsai trees formed by constant winds, bend under the weight of small fruits. These apples, which rarely exceed the size of a walnut, are a real flavor bomb. Their tart sourness is replaced by a honey aftertaste, and in some specimens you can catch notes of wild cherries or even nutmeg. Purple-skinned fruits growing at an altitude of about 1800 meters are especially appreciated – their juice has the amazing property of not oxidizing in the air for several hours.
The inhabitants of apple forests -
These places are home to many animals closely related to the Sievers apple tree.:
– bears love sweet fruits and play the role of "gardeners", carrying seeds,
– wild boars and badgers dig in the ground, helping seeds germinate,
– voles, hares, squirrels feed on fruits,
– songbirds – thrushes, finches, chickadees – build nests in the branches.
This is how the apple tree becomes the center of a small ecosystem in which everything is interconnected and harmonious.
Scientific and cultural significance -
The Sievers apple tree was first described by Peter Pallas back in the 18th century. The tree was named after the botanist Johann Sievers, who collected its samples in Altai. But it is the territory of the Zhongar-Alatau Park that is recognized as one of its historical homelands. Scientific observations are actively conducted here. Scientists from Kazakhstan, the USA, and Europe are researching apple tree genes to use them for breeding and preserving biodiversity. The seeds are sent to international genetic banks, and expeditions, eco-tours, and itineraries are organized in the park itself to show people the living heritage.
Legend of the Mountains -
Locals tell an old legend:
Once upon a time, a wise tramp walked along the mountains of the Zhongarsky Alatau. He was looking for a tree whose fruits could cure any disease. After long wanderings, he found an apple tree by a spring in a high gorge. After eating the fruit, he was cured of all ailments. Since then, this apple tree has become sacred, and the spring has been called "Kongyl bulagi" – the Spring of the Soul. They say that if you eat an apple from these places with pure thoughts, you will gain health, clarity and peace of mind. A special ritual is associated with these trees among the locals. They believe that if you walk three times around the oldest apple tree in the grove on a full moon, you can hear the whispers of your ancestors. And an apple picked on such a night, according to legend, brings good luck – it is dried and stored in the house as a talisman. However, the park rangers warn that it is better to leave the most beautiful fruits to the wild, as they serve as food for many inhabitants of these mountains during the long winter months.
Threats and security -
Unfortunately, in the 20th century, the area of wild apple forests decreased due to logging, fires, grazing and construction. That is why today the Zhongar-Alatau National Park plays a key role in the conservation of wild apple trees. Here it is under protection, and scientists are carrying out restoration work, planting young seedlings, creating nurseries. The park is also included in international programs for the protection of genetic resources and has the status of a natural laboratory of global importance.
The Sievers apple tree in the Zhongar-Alatau National Park is not just a tree. It is a symbol of life, the power of nature, and the beginning of the great history of fruits that humanity eats. This is the living memory of the Earth, and its roots go back to the distant past, and its branches stretch to the future.
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