Tien Shan Wild Apples (IMAGE) Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology Caption The wild apples in the Tien Shan Mountains represent the main ancestral population for our modern apple. These trees produce large fruits, which are often red when ripe and have a varying array of flavors. These were the ancestors of the trees that people first started to cultivate and spread along the Silk Road. Credit Prof. Dr. Martin R. Stuchtey Usage Restrictions This image may only be used in the context of reporting on this publication and with appropriate credit information. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.