Page 48 - Tạp chí bonsai BCI Q12011

BUCIDA SPINOSA

Bonsai Gold

from the Caribbean Article and photos by Enrique Castaño de la Serna

ucida spinosa, also known as black olive, pucte, geometry tree, etc., is one of the most interesting species for
bonsai in the American tropics. It has many things to offer. Among them, small leaves that have a reddish
Bcolor when they emerge; a hard wood suitable for shari and jins, will survive even the most humid and hot
environments; and strong bark character in older trees. The trees also develop very fast in the small- to medium-size
range with a dense growth and a perfect division on the new branches. Its natural growth habit can create a very nice
looking tree that looks like it has been worked on for a long time.
However, the species has some problems: First, it can’t survive in dry soil, it should always be moist to wet. Second, it
can’t survive in cold temperatures — this is a tropical tree that can only withstand a few days of cold weather. Third,
root pruning should be done only during the hottest time of the year. Avoid working on the branches at the same
time, and afterwards always keep the soil moist. These are the main guidelines to have a healthy Bucida.
The Bucida spinosa is native to many countries including Cuba, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, USA and Mexico. Sad to
say, in almost all of these countries the population of this species has declined sharply, and is almost non-existent
in some areas. Outside of bonsai enthusiasts, the species has no value and is usually removed to make room for
hotels and houses. These are trees that live very near the sea, and just like the mangrove, can survive with some salt
in the water. In Mexico, I am lucky to find places where there is still time to collect some specimens before the land
is developed into tourist areas.

46 | January/February/March 2011