Our own amazing tropical bonsai
We’ve featured a lot of collected tropicals from Indonesia and vicinity. Much of this has to do with our connection with Robert Steven (Mr. High Energy Bonsai), one of the world’s foremost bonsai artists, authors, collectors and teachers. It also has to do with the fact that so many of the collected trees (mostly Premna and Pemphis) from that part of the world are so amazing. Now it’s time to feature some of our very own amazing collected tropical bonsai. Which brings us to Buttonwoods.

Buttonwood care
There’s lots of information on the web about buttonwoods and particularly their care (they have their very specific needs). Two good places to start are: Of Bonsai Magazine and Bonsai Mary’s. Meanwhile, we’ve gathered a few photos for your to enjoy.

I found this monster by Jim Smith in the Of Bonsai Magazine. I couldn’t find any dimensions, but the article on Buttonwoods that accompanies the photo is very thorough. BTW: Jim Smith is the original American tropical bonsai guru. Jim’s nursery (Dura-Stone) is in Vero Beach, Florida.

Mother Nature’s handiwork, with a little help from Robert Kempinski. From the Art of Bonsai Project. Robert is the author of Introduction to Bonsai (discounted at Stone Lantern).

This wild unique tree could only be a buttonwood. Also by Robert Kempinski from the Art of Bonsai Project.

They aren’t all small enough for bonsai. This photo is from Bonsai Mary’s website.

Robert Kempinski (author of Introduction to Bonsai) has an excellent article at Knowledge of Bonsai on Shohin Willow Leaf Ficus (the photo above was borrowed from the article). Check it and a slew of other good stuff out, including a revealing exposé on nasty (but beautifully photographed) little aphids by Heather Hartman.

While you are at it, take a look at two related books we offer: Shohin Bonsai by Morten Albek (Stone Lantern Publishing), and Ficus: The Exotic Bonsai by Jerry Meislik (Devonshire Gardens Ltd.).