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bonsaiTALK Master Chief
Join Date: Dec-2002
Location: Amsterdam
Country: Netherlands
Posts: 1,260
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Carissa macrocarpa [Natal plum], is one of the more easy of trees to establish using the glass of water for cuttings experiment, and almost root as fast as do most if not all of the Salix family. C.macrocarpa originally is of South Africa
All parts of the tree/shrub are poisonous, apart from the flesh [only] of the edible fruits, so care should be taken, and it exudes fine white sap when cut.
The strongly scented flowers are a good solid white, star shaped and very similar to Jasminum uniform, and if you have perfect conditions for growing this species, then the flowers are followed by egg-shaped green fruits, that ripe-en to a rich dark red.
The leaves will reduce to about one quarter, and as far as I’m concerned the “Y” shaped thorns [which are very sharp] should never be removed.
Miniature trees can be created successfully, but wiring must be done continually until the bark turns from green to a light and pale brown. Once the trunk [and branches] harden, the wood becomes brittle, but slow [years] persistent bending and you will get the shape that you desire in the end. Branches die back for no reason, so pruning is a slight problem, and they do not like to be relocated, especially if you are growing them indoors [like I do].
Deeper pots are more desirable for young trees, and neglect pruning the roots if that is possible, as they don’t seem to like that either.
I love them, with their wonderful rich green rounded foliage, which on a healthy tree looks as tho’ it has been polished.
Success….Nigel
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