Page 88 - Ebook cây cảnh Art of Bonsai

88 Top trees: Local heroes

Manila tamarind

Pithecellobium dulce

In some parts of the world this prickly evergreen Key features
is regarded as invasive, but you can easily keep it
∙This fast-growing plant
under control as a bonsai. With its fast growth, long
tolerates severe pruning
flowering period, edible fruit, and attractive spiral- and can be pruned at any
shaped pods, it is a very rewarding plant. These time of year. Mistakes
examples have been cultivated as a group planting, quickly grow out. Pinching
creating the effect of a tropical forest in Mexico or off stimulates branching.
Central America, the plant’s region of origin. ∙Small white flowers
appear from November to
May, followed by spiral,
This forest planting
has an attractive pinkish pods. The seeds
rounded shape are used in curries.

Also known as
Madras thorn, this
plant can develop
20in / 50cm tall
tiny spines
Courtesy of
Mangala Rao

Looking closer
Top and center: Small, leathery
evergreen leaves and compact
branches are quick to develop
in response to pruning.
Below: The gray-brown
trunks have a natural
diminishing taper.

Exposed
root balls, moss,
and tiny plants Marble slab
enhance the
forest effect