Four years ago, a mixture of different seeds produced one of the most unique apples ever witnessed by Roger Lunceford.

What at first glance shares the structure of a large cherry gives of the taste of an apple. The city resident stated the unique fruit is the product of apple, pear, plum, peach and cherry seeds being planted together with pure potting soil.

Even though the taste is delectable, it’s the unique attributes of the fruit that could revolutionize the ways produce is planted.

“Cold weather doesn’t affect it, neither does blight or insects,” Lunceford told the Elizabethton Star Friday.

During a tour of the property, the evidence was apparent with another tree showing signs of blight while the unique fruit tree still blossoms with produce. A characteristic that is still mind-boggling to Lunceford and others is the fact the tree only produces fruit on one side.

Recent weather has affected other trees in the community, with one just a few feet away from the tree already showing some signs of blight. But even with the cold weather, the apple-like product continues to blossom year-after-year.

Lunceford added the tree was first planted outside a window, with the expectation of it not growing large. But as time passed, it started to blossom with the traits of a cherry tree. The fruit also does not fall off, according to Lunceford.

“It’s definitely interesting,” he added with a laugh.

The hope, according to Lunceford, is the characteristics of the fruit can be used to help farmers across the area combat cold weather and other problems that arise. Lunceford added Friday he spoke with local agricultural representatives to see what steps could be made to help local apple orchards in the region.

“Maybe there’s a chance to use an enzyme from the fruit to help other orchards,” he said. “I’m hoping there’s a chance that his fruit can be used to help farmers in the area.”

A representative from the department is expected to visit in the coming days, he added.

As the hope to help other continues, Lunceford said the fruit tends to be a favorite item for the family, with his granddaughter being a fan.