Plant used for bonsai - Plant Encyclopedia Results

A very small genus of tropical tree which was once referred to (and still often listed as) Carmona. The most widely known Ehretia species is the Fukien tea, a tropical shrub originating in Southern China and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is very popular for bonsai in China, but not a traditional favorite in Japan. It can be grown outdoors in warm climates, but is quite popular as an indoor bonsai.

Ehretia amoena - small tree, densely branched, olive green leathery leaves with hairs, white to pale mauve sweet smelling flowers in lax heads, fleshy edible fruits (not tasty), ethnomedical.

Ehretia obtusifolia - edible fleshy glossy orange to black fruits.

Keep well watered, reducing watering only slightly in winter. Never allow Ehretia to stand in water, or allow the soil to dry out completely.

The Rock Fig is the most widely distributed of all Australian Figs ranging from rock outcrops in the central desert to the thickest rainforest. Often multi-trunked, it has smooth grey bark. It bears bright orange to red fruit which is relished by birds and other wildlife. In the central desert regions Aboriginal people made it into dried cakes as a survival food. Excellent bonsai subject.

Tall shrub or small tree with beautiful pink flowers and large, velvet, round leaves 2-4" wide. Rare plant; leaves are very ornamental tropical looking. Cold hardy at least to light frost. Fast growing.

Grows on sandflats and slopes.

Ficus citrifolia can grow up to 18 metres tall. The bole can be 75cm in diameter The plant often begins life as an epiphyte, growing in the branch of another tree; as it grows older it sends down aerial roots which, when they reach the ground quickly form roots and become much thicker and more vigorous. They supply nutrients to the fig, allowing it to grow faster than the host tree.

The roundish fruit is greenish, often brown dotted, turning reddish and brownish at maturity, about 10mm in diameter. Fleshy, but with very little flavor.

See articleabout Ficus citrifolia by Mark Hooten

Small yellow inflorescences are numerous and clustered on the bare stems in March, effective for about three weeks in late Winter and heralding the impending arrival of Spring.

This is one of the most beautiful, exciting and useful plants among fragrant tropicals. A very fragrant, enchanting shrub, flowers are fruity scented, pendant, are born along its twiggy branches. Foliage is thin and slightly hairy, it can flower almost all year, easy to prune for shape and size. It is widely planted near and around temples and homes for its stunning fragrance. Prefers well draining soil, partial to full sun. A truly remarkable site! It has always been a popular ornamental tree in temples and houses. In Thailand, it is probably the most popular plant, you can see it everywhere along the streets planted in ground as a specimen, a hedge or potted, it belongs to every garden! This plant is sacred among Buddists. Fruits are paired pods, 9" long. Wrightia is easy to maintain and requires minimum supervision but needs constant watering only. Wrightia is cold sensitive and becomes deciduous under 65F, it might look ugly in winter in cooler zones (hardy to zone 9). In warm subtropical and tropical climates it stays evergreen and blooms year round. Because of its fast growth rate Wrightia can be trained into a bonsai tree within a short period of time. It can be easily trained and wired into odd and weird shapes. Traditionally used as medicinal herb. Roots are used to cure skin disease. There are many varieties and cultivars of wrightia.

This is a decorative small specimen tree or shrub with sparse branches that grows up to 10 ft. The light green leaves , the flowers small but bright red or pink and appearing in considerable numbers on red stems. Makes a good potted plant but can also be used in a small garden and as border plant. Partial sun and a well-drained soil are preferred.

Wisteria frutescens are the smallest racemes produced by any Wisteria. It is considered shade tolerant, but will flower only when exposed to partial or full sun.

Wisteria 'Amethyst Falls' comes from a premium plant breeding program and as a result exhibits a less aggressive and slightly smaller Wisteria than others of the genus. Many bonsai artists employ American wisteria for its manageably-sized flowers, and it is charming as a woodland flowering vine.