Core blimey! Apples came from China

Eden was on the mainland - at least it was if Eve had any chance of tempting Adam with an apple.

The acknowledged world apple expert - who is giving a talk in Hong Kong tomorrow - has traced the birth of the world's most popular fruit to the Gansu region of China.

Dr Barrie Juniper, reader of plant sciences at Oxford University, has spent the past seven years traipsing Southern and Central Asia to learn how the small berry-like plant which grew in China 10,000 years ago became the modern apple tree which produces today's big, juicy fruit.

'I was lucky - all the dominoes went down for me,' the energetic academic told SAR. 'New genetic research techniques coupled with new freedoms to travel in the Tien Shan area meant we have been able to seize the first real chance to map its history.'

And what a history - involving volcanoes, glaciers and dead Roman mistresses.

Juniper speaks at Sports House, Hong Kong Stadium, Causeway Bay, at 7pm, tomorrow. Inquiries: 2583 9700