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Uncommon Bonsai Subjects

Posted: February 22nd, 2012, 8:33 pm
by dansai
I have access to a nursery that has been growing Native Rainforest plants for a number of years to have advanced stock for landscapers. I often do the watering as well as occasionally potting on, sometimes for plants due to the nursery not having a great cash flow. As you can imagine I have a wonderful opportunity to gain some great stock for potential Bonsai. I have also done some work experience for another nursery and was given a few ute loads of throw away stock. So I have been experimenting with some species I have not seen any information on their use as Bonsai. Below is a list of some of the species that I am playing with and would love to know if anyone has had any experience with them and if anyone has photos of mature Bonsai. I will post some up to date pictures soon when I have the chance to get some in daylight.

Podocarpus elatus
Podocarpus spinulosus
Endiandra sp. (probably E. sieberi)
Toona ciliata
Cryptocarya laevigata
Xanthostemon chrysanthus
Brachychiton discolor

There are a few more I'll check during the daylight and add them with pictures soon.

Re: Uncommon Bonsai Subjects

Posted: February 22nd, 2012, 8:59 pm
by shibui
Dansai,
there is a study group of Autralian plant Society called APAB - Australian Plants As Bonsai, headed by fellow Ausbonsai member Roger. Amongst the membership there is an impressive list of species that are being trialled. I know that some related species to the ones you are listed are used eg I have a few Toona australis (or is that an old name?) and 2 Bracychiton sp. but with the huge range of Aussie native species and the limited time we have had to experiment with them there is little really known yet and you could be the first to try some of these species. Anything you can find out will be of use in the database APAB is putting together so please keep recording dates, techniques you try and the results and contribute them to the emerging data.