Fustic -Chlorophora tinctoria or Maclura tinctoria

So this might be a completely ridiculous notion and you know I would totally defer to your expertise Khaimraj but as I look at that last update and based on your response it seems that branch might need to go in your opinion as well? My guess is you are already two or twelve steps ahead of me on this but with that new, tiny branch right next to it it seems like it would be a tempting time to remove it and then let that new little branch run super long to not only replace that lower branch but to thicken and 'flute' the base of the trunk like in your sketch and as a bonus help heal the cut from the big branch removal. Anyway, I'm a novice so take anything from me with a grain of salt but I wouldn't mind 'hearing' your thoughts.

Khaimraj,

How's this tree doing now?

Nigel

Hello Nigel,

apologies, dry season and my neighbour at 58 years says he is too old to cut his side of our
mutal privacy bamboo hedge. So Nic and I offered to lower it from 14' to just under 6'.
Fortunately, I also have the use of a chipper/shredder and Nic is developing his tomato
project. So 2 birds killed with one stone.

Hence the late reply and later images.

The Gmelinas will be by in about 3 weeks.

The Fustic is doing well, I have taken cuttings and airlayers. One cutting is in the grow trough.
One year later is about 7' tall and waiting for the Bonsai folk to come by and take what they
need. For free, I don't sell.

Anyhow this tree is thirsty, so enjoy the proper Bonsai pot image, in about 3 months or so it is
back to a deeper plastic bonsai pot.
Laters.
Khaimraj