Page 46 - BSAM 2016 Q4

Wisteria sinensis obtained No bonsai is so majestic, feminine, elegant, and harmonious like Wisteria, especially when in full
by layering in 1999, photographed in Spring 2013. Photo: D. Scursatone.
bloom. A cascade of fragrant owers captivates our senses and leads us to an atmosphere and a particular dimension in which time stops and the spirit is freed and alleviated of all su ering. e contemplation of this beauty brings us back to nature and strengthens the intimate bond, giving us serenity and joy of living. is is what the Wisteria means to me: a pleasant refuge for the soul.
e Wisteria is a climbing plant or a vine belonging to the Fabaceae genus (or Leguminosae), Unfortunately it exhibits its splendor only for a fortnight, then loses all harmony. Its leaves become larger, internodes are longer, and its shape and growth habit does not make it possible to alter these characteristics with bonsai techniques without losing the blooms. However, this peculiarity does not prevent us appreciating and enjoying the magic moment of owering as a special occasion.
ere are many varieties of Wisteria among which we can make a small classi cation according to the ower spike: a very long spike (e.g. Wisteria oribunda), medium spike (e.g. Wisteria sinensis) and other compact and short spike (e.g. Wisteria frutescens ) with colors that vary in shades of white, pink and blue. In the long-spike
44 | BCI |
April/May/June 2017