Page 8 - BSAM 2016 Q4

Jian-Liang Chen has developed techniques
for creating dramatic bonsai from seed- grown Juniperus chinensis
that evoke the shapes and forms of the rugged mountain- dwelling Juniperus squamata.
The bark has been cut and stripped from the trunk and speci c branches have been jinned, carved and treated as deadwood. This step sets o a natural process where gradually the trunk lines, jin and shari weather and age in a natural way. As the plant heals and the bark thickens, the trunk will develop natural contours highlighting the contrast between live and deadwood, and
the branches look more and more like the mountain junipers pounded by typhoons.
An easy-to-grow, favored species
Juniperus chinensis is also an excellent source tree for bonsai creation. Cuttings and air layering are commonly used propagation methods for Juniperus chinensis. Juniperus chinensis grows in areas of various altitude from high to low, in various climates from tropical, subtropical to temperate climate. It is hardy enough for both cold and hot, humid and dry, and always has bright green leaves. Juniperus chinensis grows fast; the inner part of the branches harden easily. Once hardened, the resinous bark becomes highly stable. The branch fibers are flexible and durable; when broken, its strong self-healing ability helps the branches recover quickly. Within one year, its branches can be bent 3 to 5 times; the breaking points will cause sap secretion which accelerates aging of the tree.
6 | BCI |
April/May/June 2017
Juniperus chinensis as bonsai starter trees From the study and experience of bonsai art, based on sensible and intellectual thinking, I notice that using Juniperus chinensis as a bonsai starter tree saves tremendous e orts and I could create the aging forms of the tree in endless variations using the best methods and techniques within the shortest period of time. Juniperus chinensis can live for thousands of years; its branches are hardy and have great ability to self-heal. It should be noted that when using Juniperus chinensis as source tree, we should avoid human errors which could impair the growth and development of the tree.