grafters

Grafters is a term used to describe individuals or groups involved in grafting, a horticultural technique used to join tissues from one plant to another. This process allows for the propagation of plants that may not breed true from seed or to combine desirable traits of different varieties. For example, a fruit tree might be grafted to combine a hardy rootstock with a scion that produces superior fruit. The success of grafting relies on the cambium layers of both the scion and the rootstock aligning, enabling them to fuse and grow together. This method is widely used in the cultivation of fruit trees, roses, and ornamental shrubs. Grafting can be performed using various techniques, such as whip-and-tongue, cleft, or bud grafting, each suited to different plant types and sizes. The practice has a long history, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient times. Professional grafters, often referred to as horticulturalists or arborists, possess specialized knowledge and skills to ensure successful graft unions. In some contexts, the term "grafter" might also be used colloquially to describe someone who is skilled at taking advantage of situations or people, often through cunning or deception, though this is a metaphorical extension of the horticultural meaning.