The branches of these few trees do not bend under the weight of the fruit (as one would have liked to see), but under these circumstances one should perhaps be satisfied that they at least bear moderately fruit. And what is particularly pleasing is that the fruits of all the trees are robust and healthy. The question that now arises is to what extent the trees will be able to retain these fruits until the first rainfalls. This summer has been warm and without rain so far and it may still take a while for the first rains and for temperatures things to drop. Will the tree have to wither and drop fruit by then?

I think though that the tree is very “attached” to its fruits! It will do its best to preserve them all to maturity. And I am optimistic that it will largely succeed. The Manaki tree is native here, which means that the experience of this region has shaped its essence. So, my guess is that it will also know how to handle this year’s challenge!