Bucida Spinosa

[markyscott]

Excellent work Scott !

Thank you MrBeto

 

[markyscott]

Bucida Spinosa can get really dense with foliage.



The flowers are cool.

But when this density of growth happens, the interior growth and lower branches will get shaded and become very weak. So, periodically, the tree must be thinned. Thinning involves pruning back to two lateral branches at each branch union, thinning dense branches and removing old leaves.



When you’re done the branch should look like this.



Much more open so light and air can reach the interior of the tree.

S

 

[markyscott]

A little wiring. The tree is settling into form.



S

 

[markyscott]

A few more adjustments this morning. I wanted to see a bit of the back branch below the trunk line. And then clean and moss for the show next week. There always seems to be one more wire that is needed.



Canopy is looking cool.

 

[miker]

A little wiring. The tree is settling into form.

View attachment 184255

S

This tree inspires me. Well done.

 

[CamdenJim]

I don't know why I haven't seen this thread before. Really well done, as are all your posts. And the tree is great.

 

[Paul F.]

That tree is awesome!

 

[markyscott]

Found a picture taken shortly after purchase, November 13, 2012.



And the same tree a few weeks ago.


Scott

 

[milehigh_7]

I then wired remaining branches out completely.

Scott

Here's an old Bucida Spinosa. I acquired it some time ago from another bonsai grower in Corpus Christi. Bucida Spinosa is native to the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. For those of you who aren't familiar with this species, it's a very nice one for bonsai. It grows best in full sun and does not like to be dried out - it'll drop its leaves in response to droughting. Its natural growth habit is interesting - foliage is sent horizontal from a naturally occuring zig-zag branch pattern sent from alternating branchlets. I keep it in a greenhouse during the coldest months of winter where it goes dormant. In the heat of summer it grows rapidly, putting on long extensions during the heat of the summer. Time for some summer work on this one.
Scott

This tree has been on my short list of wants for some time. If it's anything as good of a recommendation as escambron then i am excited! This is a beautiful tree btw!

 

[markyscott]

This tree has been on my short list of wants for some time. If it's anything as good of a recommendation as escambron then i am excited! This is a beautiful tree btw!

Bahamas black olive are a fantastic tropical for bonsai. They need a lot of light indoors - I winter mine in the greenhouse near the heater under a Marshydro LED. This one.

S

 

[TooCoys]

How old is that tree? Any idea? It's amazing!

 

[thumblessprimate1]

This tree has been on my short list of wants for some time. If it's anything as good of a recommendation as escambron then i am excited! This is a beautiful tree btw!

I recommend Feoniella lucida. I've failed keeping one alive as bonsai but I think I should give it a try again. I have no stock right now. One day.

 

[Arcto]

I know you have a greenhouse, but do people keep these inside successfully? More important.. are you still working on stuff in the kitchen? Frankly I lack the courage to try and pull that move off here.

 

[markyscott]

How old is that tree? Any idea? It's amazing!

I’ve had it for about 6 years. The previous owner had it for abt 20. Before that, it’s unclear.

S

 

[markyscott]

I know you have a greenhouse, but do people keep these inside successfully? More important.. are you still working on stuff in the kitchen? Frankly I lack the courage to try and pull that move off here.

I think theyd be ok indoors, but they’ll need a lot of light.

S

 

[AZbonsai]

Progression on that tree is so well done. That photo from underneath is a huge help for newbs like myself! It really shows the ramification and branch development. Thanks.

 

[markyscott]

The tree has been flowering like crazy. I’ve been picking seed pods off all summer.



I blame it on better lighting over the winter and continuous fertilization during the growing season. It’s had a fantastic year.

Last winter I supplemented the light in the greenhouse with this

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XBYHORY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Very good light. I might add another this year.

S

 

[Japonicus]

Hello Mark!
Read through this thread, went to home page, and BAM!
Is this the tree in the picture at "Bonsai on the Bayou", Houston, TX 2019?
Very nice. I tried keeping one indoors years ago...I think anything beyond
Af. violets for me indoors is a goner.

 

[penumbra]

Inspiring work my friend. I have a small one I picked up at a garden center in Northern VA. It is a fascinating looking plant with the zig zag growth. Mine is keeping very well under flourescent grow lights waiting for warm weather.

 

[markyscott]

Hello Mark!
Read through this thread, went to home page, and BAM!
Is this the tree in the picture at "Bonsai on the Bayou", Houston, TX 2019?
Very nice. I tried keeping one indoors years ago...I think anything beyond
Af. violets for me indoors is a goner.

Hi Japonicus - this is the one. It’s patiently waiting for summer in my greenhouse right now.

S