AusBonsai

Gday folks!

As suggested by Petra in another discussion, I thought I'd start a poll to find out roughly how many folks are growing Australian native species for Bonsai, and what is the balance between native and exotic species.

Please feel free to elaborate on your vote and discuss here.

Thanks.

Fly.

[EDIT] Unfortunately, I don't have time to vote in the poll at the moment... [/EDIT]

FlyBri wrote:[EDIT] Unfortunately, I don't have time to vote in the poll at the moment... [/EDIT]

I've done a rough count including all 'specimens' that I've begun work on, and about 25 of 60 (41.67%) are Oz native species. When I get the chance, I'll post a listing.

Thanks.

Fly.

20% and climbing, though I am also looking at getting more pines so that will keep the number about where it is. That is a rough guess as i don't dare count them all as I am scared of the outcome.

80% as I have said they are better for us in the long run. As we have there conditions.
Of my 80% natives, 80% are Melaleuca's, of which 80% of the Genus grow in Western Australia.
So I am being Patriotic to Australia and and one eyed when it comes to tree's.

Pup

well, considering i only have 6 ACTUAL trees aside from cuttings (just starting to take root) and many many many seedlings... my 50% vote could easily change to 10%

Hi, all of my bonsai are Australian native species- off of the top of my head they are:
Callistemon viminalis
Callistemon polandii
Ficus rubiginosa
Ficus virens
Ficus benjamina
Ficus obliqua
Ficus microcarpa
Gardenia scabrella
Leptospermum polygalifolium
Lysiphyllumn carronii
Melaleuca linariifolia
Melaleuca trichostachya
Syzygium australe
Xanthostemon chrystanthys
Xanthostermon verticellatus
cheers
Ash

Depends on how you classify 'bonsai'
I've got plenty of trees in training, some in bonsai pots but maybe they don't count as bonsai?
Of the trees I'd be happy to show there are 4 natives amongst maybe 30 bonsai. Lots more in training pots under development though. Nearly ready to try potting up a couple of Melaleuca violacea to add to the tally.

Cute... I took a stab at 30% and then went into my Tree List and counted. Percentage wise I have 29.85% natives. Guess that's close enough. 20 trees out of 67 are natives.

The only trees i have other than natives is an elm and a juniper (which i recieved as a gift). Im with Pup, i love natives and yes the weather is perfect!

I have 2 trees worthwhile showing at the moment. 1 is a Banksia, and the other a bougie

of the trees in training, and half reasonable stock. 30 % are natives and I hope to increase this somewhat over the nest few years.

Ken

I have one out of about 100 and that puts me in the 10% category. Please don't tell Pup as I don't want to get on his dark side with the literati comp starting real soon.

i have about 80% ficus rubiginosa and 10% syzygiums.
just starting to do a few mel and banksias.
hey ash,any chance of some pics of your xanthostemons.
i love these trees.

*sigh* My vote (30%) is a bit mis-representative of my efforts. I've had a lot more natives die (vs. exotics) while I try to learn how to keep them in pots. If I were to vote on how many I've started over my time it would be about 50%. In the early days I had about 75% natives

Nice survey idea!
I just counted all my potted plants (which have future bonsai potential *fingers crossed*).
87 in total, 21 exotics. So somewhere in the 70% native range. Thought it would be higher but I have been cleaning up the back-garden, full of young privet.
Most of the exotics are little self-seeded privets from the backyard for experimentation, with a few junipers and one pathetic JBP.
Most of the natives are Banksia serrata & integs. and Melaleuca varieties, a handful of Port Jackson Figs and some young Eucalypt species.
But less than 10 I would actually classify as 'bonai' currently, due to their age and lack of style!

30% and that is more than enough! life is to short to not taste the worlds treats.