Bonsai A Tree in The Tray

"Tree in a tray,These trees are art forms in miniature form. Sudha Pillai brings you some of the masterpieces that will be on show this weekend"

TRAINING PLANTS TO ‘GROW’

IN JAPANESE, Bon means ‘tray’ and sai means ‘planting’. These two words combine to form Bonsai. For Bonsai enthusiasts, Bonsai is like creating a painting or a sculpture. The artist gives the plant shape and form and ‘trains’ the plant to grow in a particular way to craft breathtaking miniature works of art in a tray or a pot. Most Bonsai plants outlive their owners and are usually bequeathed to the next generation. The older the tree, the more pronounced its roots are. Vriksha is a Bonsai study circle started in Bangalore in 1990 with just 10 members. Today they are 100 in number and comprise ardent Bonsai artists. (Prakruthi Vaibhava, an exhibition of Bonsai, will be on from Sept 26 to 28 at Chitrakala Parishat. 10 am - 7.30 pm).

BANYAN TREE

• Botanical name Ficus Benghalensis Age More than 40 yearsThis sapling was found in the crevice of a well some 45 years ago. Its estimated value is Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh. However, no amount of money can convince its owner to part with her treasured plant.

CHINESE HACKBERRY

• Botanical name Celtis sinensis. Age 12 years.The name is a giveaway as to the origins of the tree. It is commonly found in China and Hongkong. In its natural environment, it grows up to a height of 82 feet.

ALADAMARA

• Botanical name Ficus Panda Age 20 years. This species is a native of Japan and is highly revered in Japanese culture.

NATAL PLUM

• Botanical name Carissa Grandiflora Age 8 years. This tree has its roots in South Africa. It produces edible red fruits and blooms all round the year

PHILKAN

• Botanical name Ficus Virens Age 30 years. This is also known as lipstick ficus because its leaves turn blood red during winter.