Page 55 - BSAM 2018 Q4

can withstand this part (Figure 1). Cutting part of the trunk and setting some branches (Figure 2). The branch structure is developing, and detailed refinement is being obtained. The branches begin to taper (Figure 3). The current form of the tree after a few years. None of the branches have been lost even after the tree was let loose for over a year in the ground (Figure 4).
There are obviously tree species that are used in bonsai that are not particularly great in this regard. One could think of roses for example. There are a few acceptable rose bonsai, because usually, the branches on the bonsai cannot be maintained for several decades. A particular trunk is kept where new branches will develop and can be pruned to provide a positive space and give the illusion of a good-quality bonsai. In most cases, this approach lacks the detail work that can only be achieved over several years.
About the Author: Enrique Castaño from Mexico, is a second generation bonsai artist. He was introduced to the art of bonsai as a normal part of life. Over time his love for nature led him to study biology from which he obtained his Ph.D. in 1997 from Rochester University, NY, followed by postdoctoral positions
in Harvard and in the UK. These were valued opportunities to observe the work of well-known artists and more importantly, to learn about different plant species, how they grow and how to treat them under different conditions. Currently, he is a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology in the plant institute located in Merida, Spain. Besides his research, he is very active in the field of bonsai establishing a group in Mexico since 2003.
Figure 4. The current form of the tree after a few years. None of the branches have been lost even after the tree was
let loose for over a year in the ground.
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