Page 49 - BSAM 2015 Q4

that will be kept on display at the Botanical Gardens in Stellenbosch. e rst tree was symbolically planted by the mayor of Stellenbosch Mr. Conrad Sidego. e entire forest was pre-designed by the Chairman of the African Bonsai Association Mr. Jonathan Cain. e idea of creating the ‘Friendship Forest’ by the WBFF Committee that represents all regions of the world appealed a great deal to our Indian sensibilities as it represents the idea of one big ‘Joint family’ prevalent in our Indian culture and tradition, wherein all its members work and live harmoniously while respect- ing the senior members of the family.
Mr. Hiroshi Takeyama, director of WBFF from Ja- pan graced the occasion by redesigning an old Schotia afra bonsai.
e convention also boasted of very informative and interactive workshops and critique session with the headliners.
The African style of Bonsai
The convention delegates, especially those from outside Africa, were exposed to the African style of Bonsai through presentations and demonstrations by South African bonsai artists like Charles Ceronio, Tobie Kleynhans, Winfred Ludeman and Hannes Fritz.
Famous attractive Bonsai Styles of South Africa are: 1) e at top style seen in two Acacia species found only in Africa, namely Acacia sieberiana and
Acacia abyssinica
2) Buttressed Root Style of old g tree
3) Aerial Root Style of Ficus thonningii
4) Baobab Style of trees with thick hollowed trunk
and girth.
5) Bushveld style where the branch structure is
very informal and zigzagged. e dry conditions hamper the development of these trees, resulting in their unique forms.
6) The wonderboom style seen in extraordinarily large and famous wild g growing on the northern foothills of the Magaliesberg mountains.
7) Pierneef Style – is style, unique to Africa, is an open umbrella shaped tree style seen in Acacia species now called Senegalia or Vachellia, ese thorny trees are predominantly seen in the Veldt where lions, gira es, zebra, wild boars and bu aloes roam freely. Veteran and renowned bonsai artist Mr. Charles S. Ceronio, who underwent training under Bonsai master John Naka, has authored a popular book titled, Practical Guide to Bonsai Styles
Top left; Ulmus parvi ora (Cork Bark Elm) exhibited by Freddie Bisscho .
Top right; Tobie Kleynhans transformed a Buddleya saligna tree into a at top African style bonsai.
Bottom; Acer buergerianum (Maple) of Carl Marrow
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