Gmelina hystrix - Indonesian flowering tree

This tree is 15 1/2 inches (39.4 cm) tall and is in winter mode - leafless; even in South Florida. I started it at the beginning of my bonsai interest about 12 years ago (photo of the before to follow). It is time for a new pot and to improve the nebari.

A prebonsai at 12 years ago when I was just beginning.

Nice result. How long did you have it in that small pot you have now?
Got any pictures of it with leaves?

A view to better see the ramification.

Storm,
It has been in the 2 training pots you see for those 12 years. I root prune every year just before the leaves emerge. See the before image for the shape of the leaves; I'll post again when it is in leaf.

This tree shows that bonsai is an art of patience; as with most newbies I started with young material.

i like ramification you have done. Did not know if asking any input before re-pot but here goes: 1) Mound tree up above lip of pot so nebari may spread down/out; 2) Consider tilting tree forward and about 15 degrees clockwise. That would give origin of great first branch more from the front. The tilt will make line of tree come back toward first branch. Maybe it's my eyes9and very well could be) but appears tree finishes moving away from viewer. 3) Decide you're bored after 12yrs. and ship tree to me. Dustin Mann

Dustin,
I always appreciate and encourage input - thanks.

A few years ago I tried to air layer the base of the tree to create a new set of roots; an inch wide band was removed, covered with sphagnum moss and foil, and this species is so vigorous that it just healed over. It did improve the base, but no roots. Possibly it is time to try it again.

I'm not bored enough to ship it to you yet ;-) It is the next 10 years that will make it shine.

Luis,

Great to hear from you ! Comparing your apex branch "then" with your apex branch "now" is a great example of what no power tool, wiring technique, super fertilizing, or any other "quick" techniques can do better than TIME. And I bet you really enjoyed experiencing this change. To me, that's what bonsai is all about !!


Ed Trout Pembroke Pines, Florida zone 10c ( and 41 degrees this morning ! )

Ed,
Good to hear from you too!

I'm with you 100% on your comment.

Here is the same tree in 2002 in leaf; it has more ramification now, and more overall branch maturity. As stated previously, I will post again when in leaf for this year.
Note that the base now is improved after air layering; in 2002 it had reverse taper leading into the roots.
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Nice shaping.
Why do you call it Indonesian flowering tree?

Budi

Budi Sulistyo wrote:Nice shaping.
Why do you call it Indonesian flowering tree?

Budi

Hello Budi,
Thank you for the compliment. It is now starting to leaf out. I will post again in about 3 weeks to show it in full leaf.

When I bought the young tree, over 12 years ago, the women who was in charge of the tropical garden nursury in South Florida, told me it was Indonesian. She was originally from the region. See this link, the tree/shrub appears to be originally described from the Philippines - hence its other scientific name Gmelina philippensis.
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=5&taxon_id=250064510

It is a large growing shrub, that becomes a small tree in time. Do you have any in your bonsai collection, or know of those who do? If you do I would appreciate an image, as they are very uncommon here in South Florida - in fact I have never seen or heard of another one.

Louis,
this is a very nice tree and a good demonstration what time is doing to all the "living things" on earth.

So I saw that Budi has answered as well. And I can show how time is passing us by. (Much to quick in IMHO!)

@Budi: Hey Budi! Hope you are well! Maybe you'll remember the day I visit you.....was it 2000 or 2002? I can't rember the date, but it was one of the best days in my life!

Martin

Hi Martin,

It is great to meet you here. I have lost your contact for quite some time.
Do you have any plan to visit Indonesia again? If you are interested I have some articles for your magazine.

all the best,
Budi

Sorry for the late answer Budi!

Actually I got no plan to go to Jakarta anymore (or not on the business platform) because I changed my job in 2005 (left Dynea (wood adhesives) and work now for Sasol (oxygenated solvents like ether or alcohols).
So today they send me eventually to south Africa (also not to bad, because I would like to meet some bonsai people there I try always the combination of business trips with some. äh... let me say..."private aspects")

Surely I be interested in your articles for our magazine. Let me propose to have private contact via mail (for security reason I will send you my private mail address as a private message from the IBC board)

Have a good time until then! And my very best regards to you and your family!

Martin

Here is the same tree in a better proportioned pot, not the final, but OK for now; it will deserve a handmade oval pot sometime in the future.
Note that it is on its way to leafing out. I will post again when the leaf canopy has matured. It was root pruned prior to repotting.

Hi Martin,

Here are pictures when you were in my garden.

Budi

https://i.servimg.com/u/f66/13/76/31/97/dsc03310.jpg
https://i.servimg.com/u/f66/13/76/31/97/with_m15.jpg

Budi,

Fantastic garden, layout and trees! I especially like the background cliff wall - excellent.