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Casuarina A New Comer in Bonsai in Malta By Dr. Alfred Grech M.D. Today I would like to invite you to make a journey with me. Let us all start growing Casuarina and train it for bonsai. Why Casuarina? It back buds easily It grows vigorously ‘Leaves’ = multi-jointed branchlets; can be shortened to create nice foliage pads Humble beginnings from seeds Honourable Final Destination What do you think? Is it worthwhile of giving it a try? What like? other tree does Casuarina looks Casuarina is a tree with a superficial resemblance to pines. But it is a completely different tree. In Malta we have difficulty in cultivating our native Aleppo Pine as a pristine bonsai. I think that our only alternative option is the Casuarina. Just look at some more pictures of magnificent Casuarina bonsai. Other valid reasons to start bonsaing Casuarina The tree grows well in Malta Master Peter Chan encouraged us to grow it Indonesian Casuarina bonsai are very prestigious and noticeable at many international conventions (thinking of the next generation of Maltese bonsaists) Many countries are training Casuarina Fast results possible October 18, of 1995 Ernie Kuo October 30, 1997 =2 years of training Ernie Kuo Casuarina is also known as: Australian pine Beefwood Forest oak She-oak (The name 'she-oak' was given in allusion to the timber, which is oak-like in appearance but was considered inferior in strength to English Oak). Horsetail Ironwood tree (very hard wood; wrecks saws) There are 3 main species of the genus Casuarina: 1. 2. 3. C. equisetifolia C. cunninghamiana C. glauca A large evergreen tree resembling conifers, with thin crown of drooping branches and with leaves reduced to scale. Is a most rapid grower; as high as 80 feet in a ten year period. Casuarina usually grows in the tropics and sub-tropical regions. It is native to Australia and the Pacific Islands. In many countries it is considered as an invasive species. Casuarina is highly tolerant to many adverse conditions and climates. The ‘leaves’ are jointed or segmented and one can break them off anywhere, so you can have a long- or short-needled bonsai as you wish. Propagation Seeds Stem cuttings Air-layering Propagation by Seeds An easy method Early training of seedlings to desired style is possible Does not cost a lot of money; just dedication, patience and time Very rewarding Trees begin bearing seeds when they are 3-5 years old Mature trees produce tremendous numbers of small, winged seeds which are dispersed by wind and water They also are spread by birds are dioecious (both sexes being usually on the same tree e.g. C. equisetifolia) or monoecious Trees Male flowers appear in spikes at branchlets tips Feminine flowers in round heads at the bases of branchlets Male Flowers 30-80 percent of the seeds can be expected to germinate 4-8 days after planting. Seeds usually remain viable for only a few months, though they may survive up to two years under ideal conditions. The staminate born in spikes and the pistillate in dense heads The inconspicuous flowers are wind pollinated Fruit are dry light brown cones (1-2cm in diameter and 2-3cm long) Fruits (cones about 2-3cm long) The insignificant flowers are followed by small, spiny cones, less than 2-3cm long The cone bracteoles are nearly always appressed to each other, enclosing the samara, when fresh; once the cone is removed from the plant, the bracteoles separate. Stem cuttings Stem cuttings root easily Take semi-mature wood in autumn Gaining some 1 or 2 years when compared to seed method. Air-Layering Again a good method like stem cuttings A good potensai in just a few years is possible (maybe 2-3 years) Yamadori In In Malta not advisable Indonesia it is one of the best and fastest method. Important biological features Allelopathy Non-leguminous fixation Mycorrhiza symbiotic nitrogen Allelopathy (plant chemical welfare) Tree produces a thick layer of fallen needles on the forest floor because the needles are not eaten by other organisms. This profuse litter smothers native seedling development. An allelopathic substance released by the needles retards seedling germination and growth of other competing plants. Non-leguminous symbiotic nitrogen fixation Roots of Casuarina form nitrogen-fixing root nodules (actinorhizae) in symbiosis with the actinomycete Frankia Mycorrhiza Mycorrhiza is a mutualistic, non-pathogenic association of a fungus and the roots of a higher plant. In a mycorrhizal association the fungus may colonize the roots of a host plant either intracellularly or extracellularly. Having its roots colonized by fungi benefits a plant in a number of ways. Increased nutrient uptake Increased disease resistance Enhanced water relations (drought resistance) Increased soil aggregation Potting Mixture Should So be porous for good drainage. likes sand and coarse gravel. Likes salty, calcareous soil Repotting Avoid severe root disturbance Avoid any major root cuttings Mix some old soil with the new soil. Plant needs the root nodules (for nitrate production) and the mycorrhiza (for phosphorus absorption and other minerals). Some recommend periodic soil changes from around the edge of the pot (not a complete repotting). After repotting, avoid sunny places; keep in shady place until new shoots appear, then move to a more open area. Do not over water; keep just moist; spray whole tree. Best time: End of January / Start of February Pruning Tree takes pruning very well and since it is fast growing = quick results Simply Can pinch overgrown ‘leaves’ be done throughout the year Never defoliate completely First take care of the style and rhythm of the bonsai, by disciplining the main trunk and main branches. Then structure the sub-branches and twigs. Better to use the ‘clip-and-grow’ method. Finally, start work on the foliage pads to create the canopy. Each cluster is formed by leaving a bunch of the needle-like leaves at the tips of the twigs. Unwanted Long needles are removed. needles are shortened. use shears to cut the leaves (if not brownish tips) Never Styles Casuarina can be styled in any style that Pine trees can. And more, since Pines for example cannot be made into rafts while Casuarina can. Watering Grows well given saline water or salt— water spray. It is recommended to periodically put salt on the soil around the plant. Fertilizers Although Casuarina is tolerant to infertile soil conditions in its natural habitat, fertilizing is recommended when in a pot. Growth rate responds well to phosphorus. Nitrogen is not needed because it produces its own nitrates with the help of bacteria in its root nodules. Position Full sun or bright shade and likes slight to moderate wind Very shady conditions cause slow growth; the leaves grow weak, weepy and unhealthy. Usage Windbreak or barrier or to provide beachfront shade or privacy. Widely cultivated for erosion control and soil nitrification. The pulp has been used to make paper. Outstanding fuel wood; recommended for biomass energy plantations. The wood has been used for powering locomotives and firing brick kilns. A decoction from the astringent bark has been used as a remedy for diarrhea, beri-beri, sore throat, cough, headache, toothache, sores, and swellings. Extracts from the bark are also used for tanning hides and staining and preserving fishing lines and fabrics. The The wood ash has been used to make soap. "cones" are used in novelties for the tourist trade. Carved & Embellished Cyclonic BowlSheoak I hope that I have transmitted my enthusiasm about this tree onto you. So happy Casuarina bonsai growing. The End