Hi welcome to Taiga Bonzai, in this article we discuss bonsai pot design, colour, texture and functionality.

Introduction – a potential bonsai is a ‘living’ work of art and requires the correct pot because ‘Bon’ (pot) is the frame and ‘Sai’ (tree) is the picture or image. Both have to compliment each other in order to accentuate the overall composition.

Potential bonsai – specimens purchased from a store, garden centre, nursery or indeed other sources will need training to suit a particular design. This takes time, some species can take a few seasons to train whilst others much longer, but much depends on the intended design one is looking to create.

However, for some there is the urgency to purchase a ceramic pot/s be it lavish ‘hand made’ or mass produced. Buying bonsai pots purely for cosmetic values is a needles expense. Because the design of your tree may change over time, or it will out-grow the pot. A better way to lessen the expense is to buy plastic trainer pots or make boxes.

Boxes – a potential bonsai regardless of its origin needs space to grow, to develop its root system, trunk girth, branches and ramification. It cannot do this if restricted in an undersized pot. Our solution is to make boxes out of chemically free scrap wood for example, old pallets usually free from a builders or timber merchant.

The benefit of a box is that it gives plenty of room for ‘root-run’ establishing a strong and healthy root system needed for good Nebari. In addition, guy wires can be placed anywhere for stability and to aid in the tree’s design, which cannot be done if in a ceramic pot. The reason for this approach is that often conventional wiring cannot be achieved because of branch and trunk thickness.

Moreover, if undisturbed for example three years this will allow the tree to develop more quickly. In reality, a bonsai does not need a pot until it is at least 80% near to its final design. But knowing which pot to select is not as easy as it may seem, because a tree in the wrong pot can actually lessen the visual impact diminishing the tree’s full potential. A tree in the right pot will look quite remarkable.

Selecting the correct pot – then how do we find the right pot? Generally speaking, the accepted rule is that un-glazed pots are for conifers, whilst glazed pots are for deciduous. To arrive at a suitable conclusion when selecting a pot, there are some points to consider. These are the tree itself, pot shape, dimension, colour and texture.

Trees – a tree that gives an impression of strength through its large trunk and mature weather beaten nature, strong canopy can be considered as masculine and Pines are a good example of this.

Alternatively, a tree having a more delicate appearance via its trunk’s gentle taper and delicate foliage can be viewed as feminine, such examples of this are the ‘weeping silver birch’ Betula pendula and ‘Acer’ Acer palmatum.

However, some trees are able to project both masculine and feminine appearances for example. The Rowan Sorbus aucuparia with its bright red/orange berries may have good movement in its trunk. But it’s fine ramification at the apex can be considered to have both male and female attributes. Therefore, when selecting a pot one must consider both these characteristics.

Pot shape and dimension – are also considered to have masculine or feminine attributes for example. Deep pots with strong angular features are considered masculine whilst feminine pots are shallower with softer lines.

The following images illustrate this meaning, 1. a deep rectangle pot with strong robust corners gives the impression of strength, especially suited to Pines. Whereas 2. has delicate rounded lines suitable for flowering/fruiting trees such as Cherry or Quince. Alternatively, trees having wide canopies that may be considered neither masculine or feminine for example a Beech Fagus sylvatica, are best suited to a wider shallower pots 3.

Other factors considered appropriate are the dimensions of a pot in relation to it’s tree for example. The depth of the pot should equal the diameter of the trunk just above soil level. For rectangular and oval pots, the size should be approximately ⅔ the height of the tree. For round pots it should be about ⅓ the tree’s height.

The colour and texture – of a pot can be used to enhance a tree’s particular feature for example, an un-glazed brown pot can highlight the ‘craggy’ brown bark of a Pine Pinus sylvestris. A dark blue glazed pot could be used to emphasise the red berries on a Cotoneaster Cotoneaster frigidus. A green glazed pot would enhance the leaves on a Beech. Fagus sylvatica. From these examples we see how a pot’s colour can be used to depict a tree’s particular feature.

Pot texture – For masculine pots textured finishes are ideal as they enhance the wildness of a tree’s rugged appearance. However, some contend that a smooth textured unglazed brown pot is able to enhance the tree’s ruggedness even further. It is a matter of choice.

Pots with smooth finishes are more suited to feminine trees, because their glazing highlights the tree’s feminine attributes. For trees that are considered neither masculine nor feminine meaning neutral, should be in pots that enhance their best characteristics either glazed or un-glazed.

Nonetheless, one factor that is crucial when planting a tree in a pot is its position, meaning how it will look. In most cases all bonsai apart from cascades styles are seldom positioned in the centre of the pot. They are positioned slightly to one side in order to achieve visual perspective and correct alignment. The illustration given below explains the importance of this.

We hope that this brief discussion on bonsai pots and their functionality is useful to our readers. In the next post we discuss the defensive system of trees and shrubs, until next time, BW, Nik.

Hi welcome to Taiga Bonzai, we continue our journey through the alphabet starting with the letter ‘R’.

Introduction – all trees and shrubs have some form of defence, some highly toxic and dangerous to domestic animals and humans. Whilst others are not considered harmful. Yet some whom work with these plants do not take adequate precautions, hence with negative results.

Rhododendron – Spp. family Ericaceae. Contains approximately 1,024 species of trees and shrubs. Both evergreen and deciduous and found throughout the world, from north America, Europe and Asia. They are a common addition to any bonsai collection, due to their colourful showy flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.

All Rhododendron species including, Rhododendron obtusum, Rhododendron simsii, Rhododendron indicum and Rhododendron luteum are poisonous. They contain Andromedotoxins that are water-soluble diterpenoid compounds in the leaves flowers and nectar.

If any part of the plant is ingested symptoms include, salivation, a burning sensation in the mouth, emesis, diarrhoea, muscular weakness, impaired vision and dyspnea. Hypotension and atrioventricular block, a serious cardiovascular effect that may have fatal results.

Rosary Pea – Abrus precatorius. family Fabaceae. Known by other names including the ‘Jequirity bean’ is native to warm and tropical regions and also found in bonsai. Those with children and domestic pets are advised not to keep such a plant due to its very nature.

This species with its frond-like leaf formation and bright red fruit is extremely poisonous as it contains the toxin abrin. This is similar in structure to ricin the toxin in Ricinus communis or ‘Castor bean’ plant and some claim that abrin has a higher toxicity level. Abrin is found in all parts of the plant but, it is the seeds that attract the most attention and if crushed, chewed and ingested abrin is released and can be fatal.

Rowan – Sorbus aucuparia. family Rosaceae. Native to the northern hemisphere are also found in more temperate climes including Africa and Asia. Its growth can be prolific portraying grey bark, compound frond-like leaves and scented flowers white to cream with orange to red berries.

This combination makes the species very attractive to bonsai collectors. Nonetheless, rowan tree berries are poisonous as they contain parasorbic acid, which is used as a food preservative and in cosmetics. Symptoms can include, eye and respiratory problems, skin irritation and abdominal pain. However, if they are cooked the parasorbic acid is transformed into sorbic acid, which is not poisonous if ingested.

Snowberry – Symphoricarpos alba family Caprifoliaceae. Also know as the ‘ghost berry’ and ‘wax berry’, a genus of approximately 15 species native to north America are found in other parts of the world.

They are members of the honeysuckle family Caprifoliaceae used in bonsai for their fragrance and decorative flowers and coloured fruit, white, pink and red depending on the species.

The white berries of Symphoricarpos contain the following toxins, viburnin, chelidonine, saponins, tannins, terpenes, tryglycerides and coumarins. If ingested the symptoms are vomiting, blood in urine and delirium. However, the toxic combination has a powerful emetic effect – a gastrointestinal irritant, which causes the victim to expel the berries undigested.

Spindle tree – Euonymus europaeus. family Celastraceae. A native to Europe is a deciduous tree or shrub noted for its colour changes during the season. It has leaves that change from dark green to yellow to red to purple and flowers yellow to green grown in clusters.

The fruit, which can be pink, red or purple when ripe open to reveal its orange coloured seeds. This colour change make it a popular specimen for bonsai. However, the fruits are poisonous, a cocktail of toxins including, alkaloids theobromine, caffeine and terpene. Poisoning in children is quite common as the brightly coloured fruits are attractive. Ingesting the fruit can cause liver and kidney damage and can be fatal.

Spurges – Euphorbia Spp. family Euphorbiaceae. A genus with over 500 species of trees and shrubs including Euphorbia tirucalli, a tall growing shrub native to semi-arid tropical climates. It has a wide distribution throughout Africa and is common in the dry states of north America in particular California.

In bonsai E.tirucalli is not one of the most favoured of specimens although it can be found, because of the problems of shaping and pruning. For example, merely cutting a branch or twig causes the plant to ooze a sticky white toxic latex.

This latex when in contact with skin is extremely irritating causing redness and a burning sensation. If in contact with the eyes the result is severe pain and temporary blindness. If ingested symptoms are burning to the mouth, lips and tongue and can be fatal.

 Tamarac – Larix laricina. family Pinaceae. Known as the black, eastern, red and American larch, is native to north America and Canada. This species is both coniferous and deciduous due to its needle leaf structure that is shed in the autumn.

The Tamarac has more medicinal qualities as opposed to toxicity for example. Tea made from the bark was used as a laxative, a remedy for rheumatism and skin ailments.

However, this species is prone to attack from the fungal pathogens including Lachnellula willkommii and contact with it should be avoided. It is also argued that oil from the leaves in contact with the skin can cause dermatitis nonetheless, it is a popular species found in many a collection.

Titoki – Alectryon excelsus. family Sapindaceae. Formerly known as the New Zealand oak is as its name suggests native to this antipodean realm. Like its European counterparts it has a twisted trunk with branches radiating in all directions and its apex is formed into a canopy.

Its flowers are relatively small and purple in colour and it’s fruit are a pink to grey capsule that when ripe, open up to reveal a bright red pulp with a black seed. The Titoki seen in some bonsai collections is poisonous, it contains tannins and cyanide producing poisons in the bark, leaves and fruit. If ingested can cause; vomiting, gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, delirium, kidney failure and at worse fatality.

Tea tree (Chinese) – Camellia sinensis family Theaceae. This is an evergreen shrub that if left to its own devices can grow in access of 5 metres (16ft) in height. Producing white flowers with bright yellow stamens surrounded by glossy green leaves and fruit having a hard green shell and a single brown seed contained within.

There are many cultivars of the tea tree that are used to make a refreshing beverage partaken by countless individuals including, the Camellia sinensis assamica (Assam, India) strain. Nonetheless, the tea tree is considered poisonous because it contains caffeine and tannin toxins that are addictive.

It is argued that consuming five cups a day are sufficient to produce addiction and reduced intake or withdrawal. Causing; dizziness, headaches, palpitations, indigestion, constipation and insomnia. Moreover, excessive intake or over indulgence can be harmful to pregnant women.

In the next article on this subject ‘toxicity’ we continue with the letter ‘U’, until next time, BW, Nik.

Hi welcome to Taiga Bonzai, we continue our journey through the alphabet discussing the toxicity of trees and shrubs, some of which are used in bonsai horticulture.

Introduction – some of the species mentioned here are endemic to tropical and sub-tropical regions, others are found in the northern hemisphere.

Umbrella tree – Schefflera arboricola. (syn. Heptapleurum arboricolum) also a member of the Araliaceae family is native to Taiwan, but can be found world-wide as a house plant and also in bonsai. S. arboricola should not be mistaken for S. actinophylla, because of the height difference.

Moreover, S. arboricola has different leaf colour and patterns, some variegated with cream to white flowers with yellow edges or centres. Although much depends on the individual cultivar. S. arboricola is poisonous and carries the same toxins as S. actinophylla. Leaf consumption can cause mouth tingling and numbness, vomiting and abdominal pain and sap when in contact with skin can cause irritation and rash.

Viburnum – Lantana. family Adoxaceae. Also known as the ‘wayfaring tree’ is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, but can be found in Asia and northern Africa and is a relatively common specimen in bonsai.

It’s oval dark green leaves have a downy or hair like covering on the underside and flowers that are creamy white in colour and green fruit. These ripen to a bright red eventually turning black when mature. The berries if consumed although mildly toxic can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain if ingested in large quantities.

Viburnum – Opulus. family Adoxaceae. Is often referred to by its common name the ‘Guelder rose’ and is native to Europe, northern Africa and central Asia. This deciduous shrub has three lobed leaves that are opposite to each other having an appearance similar to maples.

The flowers in clusters are white in colour with their centre being fertile surrounded by an infertile ring that are produced in early summer; the fruit that is bright red. The berries if consumed although mildly toxic can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain if ingested in large quantities.

Virginia creeper – Parthenocissus quinquefolia. family Vitaceae. Is native to north America, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala and Europe. It is a prolific deciduous climbing vine reaching heights of over 30m. (100ft) It attaches itself to smooth surfaces by small adhesive pads.

This plant normally seen growing on the sides of buildings has striking colours throughout the seasons. The leaves change from various greens to yellow to orange to red and purple and this colour change makes the species attractive to bonsai.

The flowers are small and greenish white in colour, which change into purple/black berries in the autumn. The sap, leaves and berries are poisonous because they contain the toxin oxalic acid. Prolonged skin contact can be dangerous and ingesting any part even small amounts can cause kidney damage and death to humans.

White cedar – Spp. family Cupressaceae. Include Chamaecyparis thyoides – Atlantic white cypress, Cupressus lusitanica – Mexican white cedar, Thuja occidentalis – Northern white cedar, Thuja plicata – western red cedar and Cryptomeria japonica – Japanese cedar. Cedars are conifers and are found in many parts of the world, from northern climes to temperate zones.

They have many uses for example, grown as barriers, wind breaks, dense hedging in parks and gardens and are a common species in bonsai. However, all cedars carry toxins the primary irritant being plicatic acid and some are more potent than others for example.

The western red cedar and Japanese cedar have the highest content of plicatic acid and exposure to it can cause severe asthma, rhinitis or conjunctivitis, that can be progressive. In addition, plicatic acid in contact with skin can cause a hypersensitivity reaction, a type of response seen in tuberculin skin tests.

Willow – Salix alba. family Salicaceae. Is a species native to Europe, but is also found in western and central Asia. Within this genus are: Salix alba Vitellina – a willow with yellow shoots and Salix alba var. Britzensis, Cardinal and Chermesina having orange to red shoots.

The willow a medium sized deciduous tree can be in a weeping form or with a dome shaped crown with long thin leaves pointed at the end. (5–10cm long x 0.5–1.5cm wide) It is often found in bonsai in designs that include slanting (Shakan) and (Fukinagashi) wind swept.

Male and female trees each produce their own flowers in the form of catkins that appear in the spring and when mature are wind pollinated. However, the willow contains salicylate toxins in the bark that if ingested can cause the following. Ulcers, nausea, vomiting, stomach bleeding, kidney inflammation, tinnitus and skin rash.

Wisteria – Spp. family Fabaceae. Includes various species of climbing vines. (Plants that climb by their shoots) Wisteria brachybotrys, Wisteria brevidentata, Wisteria floribunda, Wisteria frutescens, Wisteria macrostachya, Wisteria sinesis, Wisteria venusta and Wisteria villosa.

These Wisteria types are predominantly native to the eastern north America, China, Japan and Korea. Although these species are found in bonsai, arguably the most common is the Wisteria sinesis that when in bloom has a striking floral display for example.

The great wisteria at the Ashikaga flower park in Tochigi, Japan, which covers more than 1,990 square meters over half an acre. Wisteria flowers are between 10 to 80cm in length and produced in pendulous racemes and are either purple, violet, pink or white.

All parts of the wisteria are poisonous, they contain the toxin saponin and if ingested the symptoms are: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, severe gastroenteritis, dizziness, confusion, speech problems and collapse.

In the next article on ‘Toxicity’ we conclude our journey through the alphabet with ‘X’, ‘Y’ and ‘Z’. Until next time, BW, Nik.

Hi welcome to Taiga Bonzai, we continue our journey through the alphabet discussing the toxicity of trees and shrubs, some of which are used in bonsai horticulture.

Introduction – some of the species mentioned here are endemic to tropical and sub-tropical regions. Yet they can be found quite easily at garden centres and nurseries.

Xanthorhiza – Simplicissima. family Ranunculaceae. The only member of the genus Xanthorhiza, is native to the eastern states of north America. In the wild this shrub grows in sandy soil to a height of approximately 90cm. Its leaves are in a spiral configuration up to 18cm in length with flowers (6 to 20cm) that are produced in star shaped forms of reddish brown to purple.

This attractive plant although used for ground cover in gardens, is uncommon in bonsai as its main stem does not produce a large girth. Xanthorhiza is poisonous, its contain the toxin berberine, which can cause nausea, dyspnoea, diarrhoea, nephritis, urinary tract disorders, skin and eye irritation.

Xanthoceras – Sorbifolium. family Sapindaceae. Native to northern China is a flowering and fruiting species of small tree growing to approximately 8m and can be seen in bonsai collections although uncommon.

Its mid-green leaves 12–30cm in length are pinnate with flowers 10–20cm long containing 5 white petals arranged in panicle form, that appear in spring. The fruit a leathery pod splits open in three sections when ripe to reveal the black seeds, which resemble a small horse chestnut seed.

Originally the flowers, leaves and fruits were eaten raw with little or no side effects evident. Nonetheless, it would be prudent for those with sensitive digestive systems to cook them before consumption.

Yew – Taxus Spp. family Taxaceae. Yews are widely used in landscaping, ornamental horticulture and bonsai in which over 400 cultivars have been created including. The Japanese yew Taxus cuspidata, Pacific yew Taxus brevifolia and Canadian yew Taxus canadensis.

All these various species have derived from the European yew Taxus baccata considered as Europe’s oldest living tree of which, a specimen can be found in St Cynog’s church yard in Wales, dated to approximately 5000 years. The yew majestic and sombre in its appearance has a reputation as a harbinger of bad tidings for example.

The yew tree often found in church graveyards as a symbol of sadness was also made into longbows, a weapon used in the battle of Agincourt 1415 by the English in their defeat of the French cavalry.

Yews are relatively slow-growing and can reach heights of 20m (66ft), with a trunk girth averaging 5m. (16ft) The bark is reddish brown with lanceolate, flat dark-green leaves positioned in a frond-like form on the stem. The fruit consists of a bright red cone called an Aril in which a single seed is contained, these are subsequently consumed by birds who disperse them via their digestive system.

All parts of the yew with the exception of the Aril are highly poisonous to humans as they contain the toxin taxane, that can cause the following if ingested. Low blood counts, arthralgias and myalgias, pain in the joints and muscles, peripheral neuropathy – numbness and tingling of the hands and feet.

In addition, hair loss, mouth sores, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and in some cases the results can be fatal. Moreover, male and monoecious yews in this genus release extremely small cytotoxic pollen, causing headaches, lethargy, aching joints, itching, and skin rashes and asthma.

Zanthoxylum – Kauaense. family Rutaceae. Is a genus containing approximately 250 species of coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs, indigenous to temperate and sub-tropical regions. It is known as the ‘prickly ash’ and is a common species in bonsai.

The bark has limpet shaped protrusions containing sharp thorns at the centre. Its bright green leaves are oval to oblong in shape with 6 to 8 in pairs on a single stem. The fruit are dull red berries tightly arranged in a cluster, that when ripe are used to make the spice Sichuan pepper.

According to Asian herbal remedies, the bark was extensively used as a remedy for rheumatism, toothache and colic. Zanthoxylum is not considered poisonous to humans, but it does have the toxin Sesamin.

This toxin can cause digestive issues including, nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include Anaphylaxis, an extreme case of allergy caused by Sesamin. All edible parts of the tree must be properly prepared prior to ingestion.

Zelkova – Serrata Spp. family Ulmaceae. Often know as the Japanese or Chinese elm has two varieties, Japan and mainland eastern Asia Zelkova serrata var. serrata, and in Taiwan Zelkova serrata var. Tarokoensis. Z. serrata is a deciduous tree that in the wild can reach a height in excess of 30m (100ft +) and is favoured for its ornamental characteristics.

Z. serrata has a short fat trunk from which many branches radiate in a typical broom style. (Hokidachi) Its leaves are round to oblong in different shades of green, (Depending on the species) that change through the seasons to yellows, oranges and reds.

The flowers in clusters are yellowish-green, which turn brown as they mature. Z. serrata a popular species is regularly found in bonsai collections. Z. serrata has in the past been used for herbal remedies including stabilising the womb during child birth nonetheless, it would be prudent to seek advice before ingesting parts of this species.

The trees and shrubs mentioned in the compiled list are all toxic to some degree for example. In the beginning of this discussion information was given on the Acacia, a native of the African savanna, that have an abundance of thorns for protection. They also use poison in their leaves as a second line of defence against predation, predominantly from browsing wildlife.

Flora once indigenous to specific climate zones are now common place throughout the world in parks, gardens and bonsai, due to their discovery and availability. These species cultivated for their fruit and flowers and other uses, all have some form of defence.

Their toxicity ranges from mild, meaning having little effect on humans and domestic pets, to being potentially fatal as in the Manchineel tree Hippomane mancinella. Commonly known in Spanish as ‘manzanilla de la muerte‘ in English ‘the little apple of death‘. Which the conquistadors found to their cost when they invaded the Caribbean from 1519 to 1521.

Even the most toxic of bonsai specimens, the European Yew – Taxus baccata can be handled, providing we refrain from ingesting any part of it and ensuring that any body part in contact, predominantly the hands and the tools we use are thoroughly cleaned.

As to a particular species’ poisonous capabilities we are basically unconcerned, probably due to its benign appearance or attractiveness and addition to a bonsai collection. Nonetheless, this article was written in order to shed some light on floral toxicity and the potential hazards that exist.

These articles on ‘toxicity’ ‘A to Z’ concludes our journey through the alphabet discussing the defence mechanisms of trees and shrubs. But, like all flora they are vulnerable, prone to attack from pests and disease; a topic to turn to in the next article. Until next time, BW, Nik.