Can this tree make a bonsai

[Neli]

I bought a small tree, but I am not sure if it can make a bonsai. Took some pictures of a large one for identification purposes and to get an idea how it grows.
What it is?
Can it be turned into bonsai or I should just plant it in the garden.

 

[jk_lewis]

Looks like a eucalyptus of some sort. Are the leaves aromatic? Leaves look a bit large, but they leaf photo needs something for scale.

 

[Neli]

Looks like a eucalyptus of some sort. Are the leaves aromatic? Leaves look a bit large, but they leaf photo needs something for scale.

It is not a eucalyptus, that is for sure.I am going to google. Maybe I will find it.

 

[Neli]

Found it: Polyalthia longifolia
Found only Three bonsai look alikes:

 

[bonsaibp]

You can be one of the pioneer growers of them as bonsai in Africa.
It'll be interesting to se how much you can reduce the leaves.

 

[Neli]

He hehe!Maybe every body failed and that is why there are none as bonsai?
I dont even know how to reduce leaves, plus that.

 

[bonsaibp]

I guess you'll just have to experiment and see what happens.

 

[edprocoat]

I can answer your threads topic for you. No, this tree can not make a bonsai !

But you most likely can make a Bonsai out of this tree with the proper care and technique.

ed

 

[Neli]

I guess you'll just have to experiment and see what happens.

edprocoat
I can answer your threads topic for you. No, this tree can not make a bonsai !

But you most likely can make a Bonsai out of this tree with the proper care and technique.

I am going to try, if you promise to help! For now I put it in the ground to thicken a bit. Next year it will be slowly prepared for removal,my own way(he he he!) (I chop the tap root first and leave it for two month, Then I start chopping the rest of the roots one by one, with some time in between. I water it a little often , so it develops surface roots only and trim it on top and prestyle it at the same time) I would like to try and keep the shape of the tree (pencil shape) which is very unique, and do a formal upright. Will thicken the trunk, chop it develop a leader all in the ground, till it is time to chop the leader I will remove it to assist with ramification.
How is that for a plan?
The trunk (I think) Must be not too thick. I have seen huge old trees and their trunk is very thin and straight.What do you think about this?
At the moment the trunk is 3cm, do You think I should thicken it some more? I think this is a tree where 1:6 ratio might need to me more like 1:10.
What do You think? If I want to keep the natural style of the tree, is that appropriate?
My tree has a sharp twist on the bottom that looks like a bump,but the rest is straight. will that distract from the formal upright I have in mind?

 

[milehigh_7]

I was going to suggest that it looks like Vauquelinia californica or what is commonly called Arizona Rosewood.

 

[Neli]

Ay ay ay! Did not find a single bonsai of this tree.i agree the leaf is similar.

 

[bonsaibp]

The twist at the bottom may be from the seed being wrong side down and the stem having to turn up towards the sky. I have a bunch of hackberries the same way. If you really want a straight trunk you may have to layer just above that.

 

[Neli]

The twist at the bottom may be from the seed being wrong side down and the stem having to turn up towards the sky. I have a bunch of hackberries the same way. If you really want a straight trunk you may have to layer just above that.

What about the thickness of the tree? Should I make it thicker?

 

[bonsaibp]

What about the thickness of the tree? Should I make it thicker?

Let it grow until the trunk is almost as thick as you want then you can chop it and try this method for obtaing a new nebari http://www.bonsai4me.com/AdvTech/ATNebari.html

 

[Neli]

OK Thanks for the link. I will see how tall I want it...then I will decide what thickness of trunk I need, but what ratio should I use? !:6 or 1:8 or 1:10????

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I think the ratio 1:4 vs 1:6 vs 1:8 vs 1:10 vs 1:20 is merely a matter of the image of the final tree you want to create. If you want to create a tall fastigate type tree, like the natural form of the tree you pictured, a 1:10 ratio might be a good goal.

But, if you want to create more of a broad image, you might want a ration closer to 1:4.

I would think the first thing to do is let it grow out to thicken the trunk. At the same time experiment on the branches as they form, see how it responds to pruning. It might give you ideas as to how the tree will respond.

You have a blank canvass in your hands and a new tree to paint with. Go wild.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Neli
I had a thought, you are in Zambia, there are species of the genus Diospyros native to your country, Ebony for example. The northern members of this genus are traditional bonsai subjects (Persimmons), you should see if you can find some seedlings or specimens of your native Diospyros (ebony) or related species to see what they will do.

 

[Neli]

Neli
I had a thought, you are in Zambia, there are species of the genus Diospyros native to your country, Ebony for example. The northern members of this genus are traditional bonsai subjects (Persimmons), you should see if you can find some seedlings or specimens of your native Diospyros (ebony) or related species to see what they will do.

Waw!
I never thought of that! I need to find out where they grow and go dig some out...They are rare ploants...The locals like to curve them for thee tourists.I dug out baobab, acacias, and some unknown plaants. I will google ebony to see how it looks like.

 

[Neli]

I think the ratio 1:4 vs 1:6 vs 1:8 vs 1:10 vs 1:20 is merely a matter of the image of the final tree you want to create. If you want to create a tall fastigate type tree, like the natural form of the tree you pictured, a 1:10 ratio might be a good goal.

But, if you want to create more of a broad image, you might want a ration closer to 1:4.

I would think the first thing to do is let it grow out to thicken the trunk. At the same time experiment on the branches as they form, see how it responds to pruning. It might give you ideas as to how the tree will respond.

You have a blank canvass in your hands and a new tree to paint with. Go wild.

That is a fantastic idea. I planted it in a huge plastic packet...maybe 60-80 liters???? in a smaller packet with a hole for the roots to grow through, so that when it is ready I can just saw it through.
But on a second thought I might return it...Silly me got the one with the bump on the bottom...thought it adds interest. I will go and get a thicker tree at the bottom. They will chnge it. I am a good customer.
I will try to prestyle and grow it in the big bag.
Thanks!