ABSTRACT
Plant chimeras have intrigued scientists and plantsmen for centuries. Their sometimes odd appearance and unpredictable behavior during propagation have made them the object of speculation and experimentation. Chimeras have been the source of numerous attractive and desirable ornamental plants, and they have given rise to valuable new fruit and vegetable cultivars. Chimeras are surprisingly common. A visit to the produce department at your local grocery store will likely turn up one or two chimeras in the citrus bins. Others may lurk in among the apples and pears. A walk through a residential neighborhood will take you to many more (Figure 7.1).
