Page 49 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2016Q1

that will be kept on display at the Botanical Gardens
in Stellenbosch. The first tree was symbolically planted
by the mayor of Stellenbosch Mr. Conrad Sidego. The
entire forest was pre-designed by the Chairman of the
African Bonsai Association Mr. Jonathan Cain. The
idea of creating the ‘Friendship Forest’ by the WBFF
Committee that represents all regions of the world
appealed a great deal to our Indian sensibilities as it
represents the idea of one big ‘Joint family’ prevalent
in our Indian culture and tradition, wherein all its
members work and live harmoniously while respect-
ing the senior members of the family.
Mr. Hiroshi Takeyama, director of WBFF from Ja-
pan graced the occasion by redesigning an old Schotia
afra bonsai.
The convention also boasted of very informative
and interactive workshops and critique session with
the headliners.
The African style of Bonsai

The convention delegates, especially those from
outside Africa, were exposed to the African style of
Bonsai through presentations and demonstrations
by South African bonsai artists like Charles Ceronio,
Tobie Kleynhans, Winfred Ludeman and Hannes Fritz.
Famous attractive Bonsai Styles of South Africa are: 6) The wonderboom style seen in extraordinarily Top left; Ulmus parviflora (Cork
1) The flat top style seen in two Acacia species found large and famous wild fig growing on the northern Bark Elm) exhibited by Freddie
only in Africa, namely Acacia sieberiana and foothills of the Magaliesberg mountains. Bisschoff.
Acacia abyssinica 7) Pierneef Style –This style, unique to Africa, is an Top right; Tobie Kleynhans
2) Buttressed Root Style of old fig tree open umbrella shaped tree style seen in Acacia transformed a Buddleya saligna
tree into a flat top African style
3) Aerial Root Style of Ficus thonningii species now called Senegalia or Vachellia, These bonsai.
4) Baobab Style of trees with thick hollowed trunk thorny trees are predominantly seen in the Veldt Bottom; Acer buergerianum
and girth. where lions, giraffes, zebra, wild boars and buffaloes (Maple) of Carl Marrow
5) Bushveld style where the branch structure is roam freely. Veteran and renowned bonsai artist
very informal and zigzagged. The dry conditions Mr. Charles S. Ceronio, who underwent training
hamper the development of these trees, resulting under Bonsai master John Naka, has authored a
in their unique forms. popular book titled, Practical Guide to Bonsai Styles

January/February/March 2016 | BCI | 47