The Bonsai Collection Of Stellenbosch University Botanical .
The Bonsai Collection of Stellenbosch UniversityBotanical GardenMiles S. Sax and Willem PretoriusA panoramic view of Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa.South Africa has long been recognized for itspicturesque landscapes, large wildlife species, and stunning plant diversity. Housing roughly 10 percent of the world’s vascularplant biodiversity (about 30,000 taxa) on lessthan 1 percent of the earth land surface, it is theonly country in the world that contains its ownfloristic kingdom (the Cape Floral Kingdom)within the confines of its borders. With plantendemism rates as high as 70 percent in theWestern Cape, South Africa has continued tofascinate plant explorers, botanists, and horticulturists. Flowering geraniums (Pelargoniumspp.), bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia reginae), andthe calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) are justa few of the South African plants that are nowknown to gardeners worldwide.A Garden Grows in StellenboschThe town of Stellenbosch is located in SouthAfrica’s Western Cape province. It lies on theeastern flank of the Cape Flats, situated at thebase of the commanding Hottentots-HollandMountains, which provide an inspiring back-FMALAN AT EN.WIKIPEDIAdrop to the municipality. The StellenboschUniversity (originally called the StellenboschGymnasium) was established in this agricultural and wine-producing region in 1866. In1902, the University made efforts to establishthe first botanical garden in Africa to be housedin an institute of higher education. AugustaVera Duthie was the first lecturer in botanyat Stellenbosch and undertook this initiativein order to grow plant material for educatingbotany students at the school. In 1902, thefirst garden was laid out in front of the MainBuilding where it remained for twenty years.In 1922, under the guidance of Dr. Gert Cornelius Nel, the garden was moved to accommodate the growing collections and to establisha permanent site. The 1922 design includedtransectional and circular order beds for botanical education and were inspired by the world’soldest botanical garden in Padua, Italy. As Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden (SUBG)has developed over the decades its plantings anddesign have changed in response to the evolving mission of the garden and the priorities set
26 Arnoldia 73/2 October 2015The garden also features quintessentially SouthAfrican collections such as towering groves ofgiant white bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia nicolai),succulent gardens, and a fynbos garden (fynbosis the primary vegetation group of the Cape Floral Kingdom). Its two succulent greenhouseshave a storied history based on the extensivecollections development undertaken by theSUBG’s first curator, Dr. Hans Herre, whoaccrued vast holdings of succulent flora such asthe South African near endemic family Aizoaceae. These greenhouses feature some of thegarden’s most unusual plants such as a quivertree (Aloe dichotoma), the stunningly beautiful Drosanthemum bicolor, and the sprawling,contorted gymnosperm, Welwitschia mirabilis.SUBGforth by the curators. The garden today featuresa mix of historical, ornamental, and scientificcollections.Some of the botanical wonders that the garden displays to attract visitors include the SantaCruz water lily (Victoria cruziana), giant Dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia gigantea), jade vine(Strongylodon macrobotrys), many orchid species, carnivorous plants, a fern house, a tropicalgreenhouse, and herb and vegetable gardens. Italso houses scientific collections such as theSouth African taxonomic reference collectionfor the expansive genera Oxalis as well as plantsof conservation concern that are threatenedin the wild such as the king sundew (Droseraregia) and the geophyte Haemanthus pumilio.This 1966 photo shows one of the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden greenhouses filled with succulents,Welwitschia mirabilis, and other plants.
MILES S. SAXBonsai Collection of SUBG 27Clockwise from upper left: Narrow-leafed bird-of-paradise (Strelitzia juncea); A formal pond at Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden displays water lilies, including the platter-like Santa Cruz water lily (Victoria cruziana);Drosanthemum bicolor, a South African succulent with showy flowers.A Unique Bonsai CollectionOne collection in particular at SUBG stands outfor its distinctive character—the bonsai collection, whose plants have played a central rolein the development of a unique horticulturepractice in Africa. Known as the Western CapeHeritage Bonsai Collection, it is the oldest andlargest public bonsai garden in Africa. Whatmakes this collection special is the wide varietyof indigenous species used, its development bya cast of interesting characters, and the displayof the internationally recognized African stylesof bonsais.Originally established in 1972, the bonsaicollection was incorporated into the gardensby Wim Tijmens, SUBG curator from 1962 to1999. Wim is recognized for establishing muchof the SUBG layout and design that provide thedefining elements of the landscape today. Hispassion for the temperate flora of East Asia took
28 Arnoldia 73/2 October 2015(Podocarpus falcatus) were already housed inNew York in the collection of Frank Okamura,who maintained the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’sbonsai collection from 1947 to 1981.While there had been some bonsai in the garden since at least 1968, it wasn’t until the bonsai collection of Mrs. Becky Lucas was donatedin the 1970s that a bonsai-en (a structure orspace specifically for bonsai) was specially constructed at the SUBG. Lucas is widely acknowledged as the first practitioner of bonsai in SouthAfrica, starting as early as 1939. Over the years,Lucas built up an impressive collection of miniature trees; she was remembered for havingover 300 potted specimens on her tiny patio.She made several trips to Japan, spending considerable time studying with Japanese bonsaimasters, and was a powerhouse in the promo-SUBGhim on many trips to China and Japan. Many ofthe stately temperate-climate tree species thatare found throughout the garden were acquiredduring his tenure.Wim’s passion for Asiatic horticulture ledhim to mastermind the creation and development of the bonsai collection. Much of the success of the garden’s bonsai collection and itsspecial focus on African trees can be attributedto his vision. In an article in the Stellenboschlocal paper (Tijmens 1968) Wim wrote about avisit to New York and the bonsai in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden: “In South Africa we cangive the art of bonsai our own character byusing indigenous species. It will create overseas interest and also highlight our own flora.”He mentioned that bonsai specimens of someSouth African trees such as the yellowwoodWim Tijmens, Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden curator from 1962 to 1999, is seen working on a bonsaispecimen in this undated photograph.
SUBGBonsai Collection of SUBG 29Louis Nel with his outstanding Buddleja saligna bonsai trained in the Pierneef style.tion and instruction of bonsai in South Africa.When she donated her collection, SUBG curator Wim Tijmens had some trouble explainingthe significance of the gift to the University’schancellor, who didn’t know what bonsai was.The next big donation to the collection camefrom the Reverend Gerjo van der Merwe, a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church. According to his family, he was one of the first bonsaienthusiasts to grow indigenous bonsai fromseeds in South Africa. From Van der Merwe’spersonal notes his deep love of nature andthe belief in the healing power of trees shinesthrough as an obvious motivator for his bonsaipassion. Because he was often transferred, hedecided to use soil from the family farm in Boplaas in which he transported small trees withhim on his travels. “I believe that the growingof bonsai is a healthy help to heal this brokenrelationship. By growing trees from your ownregion and to take it with you is a strong way tokeep and protect the association with a specificplace and the sense of belonging.”The third significant donation of bonsai tothe collection was that of Louis Nel. His collection was donated on March 20, 2012. Nel wasinternationally known as the king of Buddlejasaligna, an evergreen South African speciescommonly known as false olive or squarestembutterflybush. Nel started working with bonsaiin 1974 and his skill and reputation quicklygrew. Throughout his life he was a regular contributor to bonsai magazines and participatedin many international bonsai demonstrations.A number of his trees won international competitions; an outstanding example is SUBGaccession 2012-1, one of Nel’s Buddleja salignabonsai. This tree now stands as one of thegarden’s premier specimens, highlighting aSouth African native plant as well as a style of
October 2015SUBG30 Arnoldia 73/2bonsai training, known as Pierneef, which originated in SouthAfrica and has gained international repute.In 2010, the garden’s bonsaihouse was moved because theshade of nearby large trees createdconditions that were not ideal forbonsai. The bonsai collection isnow housed in a large area adjacent to the visitor center and giftshop, giving it a central stage inthe garden.Plant Species in theBonsai CollectionA Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii) bonsai started by South African bonsaipioneer Becky Lucas over 70 years ago.SUBGThe SUBG bonsai house containsmany familiar bonsai subjectssuch as conifers and maples. Butas one makes one’s way throughthe collection it quickly becomesclear that the plant material isanything but traditional. A wideassortment of tree species fromSouth Africa compose the majority of the collection, interspersingwidely variable forms, textures,and unconventional styles. Thenon-traditional approach to theuse of plant material and stylesthat have developed in South African have set bonsai culture here onits own unique and diverging pathfrom bonsai’s origins in China andJapan. The South African ethos ofexploration, questioning of statusquo, and adaptation is expressedthrough the developed bonsai culture and exemplifies the meaningof horticulture as an expressionof the interaction between thehuman and plant. The miniaturetrees that make up the collectionare a mix of classical and contemporary styles of bonsai. Many subjects exhibit the traditional strict,regimented, and controlled aesthetic associated with Japanesestyle, but with the collectionsuse of unusual plant material,This dormant Natal fig (Ficus natalensis) bonsai, recently donated to Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden by Tobie Kleynhans, shows the species’distinctive aerial roots.
SUBGBonsai Collection of SUBG 31it trend towards the less exacting and playful penjing style ofChina. The tree species found inthe SUBG collection weave theirown story of the development ofbonsai in South Africa.The oldest trees in the collection date back to the 1940sand were created by South African bonsai pioneer Becky Lucas.Her original trees are the classicbonsai subject, Japanese blackpine (Pinus thunbergii), which isnative to Japan, China, and Korea.As Lucas continued to developher passion and skill in bonsai,she mostly used the traditionalEastern pallet of plant speciesincluding trident maple (Acerbuergerianum), deodar cedar(Cedrus deodara), and Atlas cedar(Cedrus atlantica). As the SUBG An African olive (Olea europaea subsp. africana, syn. O. e. subsp. cuspidata)collection developed over the bonsai created by Louis Nel.decades and new bonsai growersa popular choice for growers for many centuries.added their contributions, many other familiarFor example, a specimen of Ficus retusa (syn.bonsai subjects joined the collection including dwarf Japanese garden juniper (JuniperusF. microcarpa) in the Crespi Bonsai Museumprocumbens ‘Nana’), lacebark or Chinese elmin Italy is purported to be over 1,000 years old.(Ulmus parvifolia), and Ligustrum ovalifolium,Ficus natalensis was likely selected to betrialed in bonsai culture as a substitute for Eastwhich oddly goes by the common name California privet despite being native to Japan andAsian species because it has traits that emulateSouth Korea.those of traditional bonsai species. Over theAlthough South African bonsai started outyears Natal fig has proved itself as an excellent selection for development as bonsai andwith traditional Eastern influences it hasits popularity has expanded, making it a mainbecome adapted and transformed as a resultstay for growers in South Africa and abroad. F.of its interpretation in Africa. It is unclearnatalensis makes up one of the largest groupswhat prompted the beginning of use of African plant species for bonsai in South Africa.of species in the SUBG collection, comprisingIt can be speculated that perhaps a lack ofaround 10 percent.suitable imported plant material from JapanAnother African species that has becomeand East Asia during World War II might havevery popular for bonsai is Olea europaea subsp.limited availability.africana (syn. O. e. subsp. cuspidata), a subordinate taxon of the commonly known EuropeanThe first African tree in the collection toolive tree. The distribution of this subspeciesbe adapted for bonsai was the Natal fig (Ficusranges widely from Africa through the Middlenatalensis) by Ian Ross in 1948. The nativeEast, India, and China. It is widely grown inrange of Ficus natalensis extends from Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe to South Africa.parks and urban environments for its stress tolerance and cold hardiness (Joffe 2002). The speIt is cultivated in southeastern Africa as a shadecies displays small, lustrous, evergreen leavestree and living fence. The genus Ficus is commonly used for traditional bonsai and has beenthat form dense canopies, and greenish white
MILES S. SAXPopular South African StylesOf the six styles described by CharlesCeronio, the three that have gained widespread adoption in South Africa are theflattop, Pierneef, and baobab styles(Adam 1992, Ceronio 1999).Baobab styleA baobab (Adansonia digitata) growing in South Africa’s KrugerNational Park.REBECCA PRETORIUSThis style focuses on mimickingthe iconic African baobab tree(Adansonia digitata). Baobabsin the wild are considered to beone of the world’s largest trees,not for their height, but for theirimpressive girth. These trees tendto grow with massive centraltrunks giving away to relativelyshort branches. Adapted to growing in regions with high summertemperatures, the genus is foundthroughout tropical Africa andMadagascar. For the baobab bonsai style the focus is placed on theupright trunk habit, giving theimpression of a large central section while the branches are keptshort. Seldom seen in collections,this style can be accomplished byusing taxa such as the African baobab itself, corkwood (Commiphoraspp.), or coral tree (Erythrina spp.).In order to convincingly emulatethe thick trunk, bonsai trainersoften select several upright stemsand use twine or wire to pull themultiple stems together, thus fusing them into a single trunk. Thisstyle was principally developed byCharles Ceronio.A 28-year-old baobab bonsai created by article co-authorWillem Pretorius.
SUBGPierneef styleLouis Nel’s Buddleja saligna bonsai trained in the Pierneef style.COURTESY OF TRANSNET FOUNDATION WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO THE RUPERT MUSEUM, STELLENBOSCHThe Pierneef style is an openumbrella-shaped tree form. Itinvites the viewer to imaginethe tree spreading wide over anexpansive savanna landscape. Theumbrella form itself is created bythe tight zigzag branching patternreminiscent of acacia species, suchas Acacia sieberiana (syn. Vachellia sieberiana), found throughout Africa. The style was namedafter South African artist JacobusHendrik Pierneef (1886–1957)whose paintings often focused onlandscapes, portraying them withdramatic flair and strong geometric overtones. Bonsai in thisstyle favor leaning or naturalisticcurved trunks. Single specimensor grouped trees can be trained inthe Pierneef style and the overarching branching pattern can beadapted to multiple layers in thetree’s canopy. African plants usedfor the Pierneef style include Acacia species, Olea europea subsp.africana, and Buddleja saligna.Flattop styleThe flattop style is similar toPierneef except that it lacks thedrooping umbrella branches. Thisstyle is also very reminiscent ofopen savanna Acacia species. Theform is exactly as the name states,branching upwards to form a horizontally expanding canopy, withshort branch growth. The samespecies used to create Pierneefstyle bonsai can be used for theflattop style.Mpumalanga, a painting by South African artist Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef,shows the umbrella-like tree forms often seen in his works.
October 2015MILES S. SAX34 Arnoldia 73/2flowers borne in axillary panicles. These combined characteristics make for a fine bonsaisubject and Olea europea subsp. africana hasbecome widespread in use. The earliest knownAfrican olive bonsai in the SUBG collection(accession # 2012-178) was from Gerjo van derMerwe and was started in 1960.Over time an assortment of African tree species have been trialed for their use as bonsaiand subsequently entered the collection. Thesehave included taxa such as Sideroxylon inerme,an evergreen tree with lustrous, leathery leavesand round, purple-black fruits (specimen by vander Merwe from 1957); the kei apple (Dovyaliscaffra), a spiny evergreen shrub with edible fruit(specimen by Wim Tijmens from 1960); Gardenia thunbergia (specimen by Becky Lucas from1960); Acacia galpinii (specimen by Becky Lucasfrom 1964); and Grewia occidentalis, a sprawling evergreen shrub with pretty lavender pinkflowers (specimen by Louis Nel from 1981). Theuse of unconventional trees for bonsai displays aspirit of exploration and nonconformity that isever-present in South African culture.The South African Bonsai StylesOne of the most curious elements of SouthAfrican bonsai is the development of a series ofdistinctive styles that are unique to the plantsand horticulture of the country. These bonsaiinterpretations diverge from the traditionalstyles found in China and Japan, giving rise toelegant forms seldom encountered in the worldof miniature trees. The derivation of the SouthAfrican bonsai styles comes from interpretationand mimicry of the architecture of an assortment of quintessentially African trees. TheseAfrican styles are the Pierneef, the baobab, theflat top, the bushveld or natural, the wild fig,and the wonderboom (“boom” means tree inAfrikaans). South African bonsai expert CharlesCeronio is credited for development of many ofthese styles and he writes about them in detailin his book Bonsai Styles of the World.Traditionally, trees selected to be used forbonsai are chosen because of particular desirable phenotypic characteristics such as smallleaves or a unique branching habit. These characteristics give the trees the proper dwarfedeffect in their mature states. Some plant speciesThe iconic umbrella-like form of Acacia is emulated in severalSouth African bonsai styles.from the South African flora are used to createbonsai that emulate the forms of other SouthAfrican species. For example, Buddleja saligna,which grows as a shrub or small tree, has beenexpertly crafted into bonsai that mimic theform of the much larger paperbark thorn (Acacia sieberiana, syn. Vachellia sieberiana). Thepaperbark thorn, with its dominantly spreading, umbrella-like branches, is often cited asinspiration for the flattop and Pierneef styles ofbonsai. The SUBG collection holds numerousexcellent examples of these styles created fromBuddleja saligna. When observing shrubby B.saligna in the wild one would not necessarilyimagine it to be well suited for bonsai, but withits fine-textured silvery green leaves, the species proves to work exceptionally well. WhileB. saligna makes for fine architectural shaping,
SUBGBonsai Collection of SUBG 35Many plant species and bonsai styles are on display in Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden’s bonsai house.there is some question as to the longevity ofthis tree for bons
Africa’s Western Cape province. It lies on the eastern flank of the Cape Flats, situated at the base of the commanding Hottentots-Holland Mountains, which provide an inspiring back-drop to the municipality. The Stellenbosch University (originally called the Stellenbosch Gymnasium) was established in this agricul-
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Milwaukee Bonsai Society Diseases of Bonsai Plants Brian D. Hudelson Department of Plant Pathology University of Wisconsin-Madison/Extension I am not an expert on bonsai (but I think bonsai is SUPER cool) I know a little about plant diseases (I think they are SUPER cool, too) I expect to learn as much from you (if not more) than you .
Bonsai master Chase Rosade, 82, prunes a Japanese maple bonsai in his New Hope studio March 8, 2017, next to a Japanese white pine. He started the Japanese maple bonsai in 1958 as a seedling. Rosade will be exhibiting one of his bonsai trees along with many of
May 3-4- Rosade Bonsai Studio Open House May 2-4- Potomac Bonsai Assoc. Exhibit, National Arboretum, Washington, DC, vendors. May 10-11- Nature’s Way Open House, Harrisburg, PA, Nick Lenz May 29-June 1- European Bonsai Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, registration May 30-June 1- Brussel’s
