South Florida Newbie

For some reason, until this year, the Poinciana (Delonix regia), although it flowered regularly, never produced viable seeds. This year, the front yard is full of little trees. Obviously, they are not good candidates for bonsai, but some suggested the plant might not be self-fertile and, thus, he reasoned that there was a new, nearby poinciana providing my tree with pollen. I don't find any suggestion on the web supporting his hypothesis and I somehow stumbled into this group. I've placed some in pots rather carelessly. I did see the very interesting photos here from Belgum and now I am wondering if there is a chemical approach to the problem. Specifically, I am wondering if there are compounds with anti-gibberlinic activity that could be used. I was a botany major years ago (back when Moses and I were in school and dirt was the "new thing") so I know just enough to sabotage myself, so if any one has any information to keep me out of trouble, let me know. Of course, there is the hybridization. At least, it grows fast. Eleven years ago, the tree fit in the trunk of my car. Today, it is about 30 feet (10m) tall.

Hello and welcome!

Wow, that's an awfully scientific and specific topic for the intros forum. We have some wonderful tropical minds here but the chances of them seeing this are unlikely. You'd have better luck putting "Poinciana" in your title and posting this in the questions forum.

Good luck!

Welcome to IBC!

I am not sure what the question is? There are some commercial chemical treatments that will shorten internodes. One called "Bonsai" I think, nothing to do with bonsai or even mallsai, just a chemical some growers use I think maybe on Poinsettias, but it isn't effective long term, you have to keep using it or new growth will be normal, it is also expensive.

Maybe we'll get better responses now.

Welcome to the forum.

I am out over my ski's in this technology, but look at the commercial gibberellic acid products. You need to check with a professional to understand the timing, but I think gibberelic acid at the right time would result in sterile seed. Or possibly a
gibberelic acid inhibitor to prevent seed formation.

sources of expertise - Your local University, Department of Agriculture, Pomeology group (fruits & nuts), Ag Extension office, ask for the commercial orchard support specialist, the home gardening specialist won't be familiar with the technology.

call manufacturer's of the chemicals. They all have tech service employees who advise how to use their products. One possibility is Valent http://www.valentbiosciences.com/Index.asp

One source of home / small orchard quantities of growth regulators is
http://www.hummert.com
their listings of growth regulators
http://www.hummert.com/ProductList.aspx?Title=Plant%20Growth%20Regulators&C=03
look at this product - one use is to prevent seed capsule formation in sweet gum. Not sure if it would work on delonix, but it does work on sweetgum.
http://www.hummert.com/ProductDetail.aspx?Page=ProductList.aspx&ID=717&C=03&Title=Plant%20Growth%20Regulators

This should give you a start on the problem of seed produced by your delonix. Remember some of there are toxic chemicals, read and understand the safety precautions before purchasing any particular product. Also, these are geared toward commercial producers, you may suffer sticker shock at the cost of these products. For safety reasons many are not packaged in small 'home' quantities, because they were not intended to be used by the casual weekend gardener who often doesn't read or follow safety precautions.

I have seen a photo or two of very nice bonsai from Delonix, there is no reason not to try to raise a few seedlings with an eye toward bonsai. Remember when starting from seed, it is a slow process, you first need to develop trunks, as thick as you would like to see in the finished bonsai, before you try to reduce and style the rest of the plant. Lots of advice on that aspect elsewhere in this forum.

Have fun.

...huh ..?

I dont understand the question either. Delonix regia is not a good bonsai subject, you are going to struggle to keep it small... They shed branches when cut. Delonix pumila on the other hand is excellent!, but only for larger trees.

Welcome indeed.

Delonia Rex,

needs to be about 1 metre in height to make a decent bonsai. You also have to learn to use - thread grafting - to get enough branches, say 6 to 8.
Tends to die back on the cut branchlets.
Will flower as a plant in a pot.
Not the easiest subject.
Best of luck.
Khaimraj

* You need full sun for the best leaf size.

You may also wish to try and practice on this tree - Leucaena leucocephala