Page 49 - Tạp chí bonsai cây cảnh BCI 2016Q2

WHAT

PASSION! Text and Photos by Danilo Scursatone, Italy

Translation by Danilo Scursatone and Joe Grande

zaleas, belonging to the genus Rhododendron and to the family Ericaceae,
are widely used in the art bonsai although the species is not a tree but a shrub
or a bush. The Rhododendron indicum or Satzuki Azalea originates from the
mountains of Japan and encompasses the group of Azaleas most grown in
AJapan. This particular group of azaleas is of interest to the bonsai artist for
two main reasons: the availability of many varieties of flowers and the availability of
starter material specially grown to become a bonsai.
Satzuki Azaleas have many varieties in their cultivars, among them, those com-
monly used and most frequently found are:
Satzuki Kaho (white-magenta-pink flowers with possible streaks of various colors);
Satzuki Korin (magenta flowers with small shape of the corolla of a lily and thick);
Satzuki Kobai (magenta flower rounded with small flowers and stained);
Satzuki Gyoten (light pink-white-magenta flowers);
Satzuki Kinsai (orange-red flowers frayed and some without fraying).
The azalea, however is not only appreciated as bonsai, but in the East, this species
is a symbol of femininity and temperance, and is the purest love that exists: that of
mothers. In fact, here in the West, azalea are often gifted on Mother's Day.
Azalea as a symbol of pure love, azalea that fosters love, how many love stories are
born in places where there are azaleas? In Italy, we think of the gardens of Villa Taranto
Top; Azaleas in the gardens of Villa Taranto, Italy. created by the Scottish Captain Neil McEacham or the park of Villa Pallavicino in Lake
Middle; white sand and azaleas, Shisen-dō Temple, Tokyo. Maggiore with their beautiful azaleas that bloom and inundate us with scents and
Bottom; Villa Pallavicino in Lake Maggiore, Italy. colors like clouds on earth. Or the charming garden of Shisen-dō Temple in Kyoto,
Photos courtesy www.creativecommons.org Japan, composed of white sand and azaleas.

April/May/June 2016 | BCI | 47