Chinese Tallow Trees

[dbrock]

This is another that I just started some initial work on. This tree was collected in March of this year. It is in a 12in X 12in metal container. After three months, the leaders where thick enough to put an intial direction for the trunks and lower branches. I did not strip the leaves because I did not want to weaken the tree so it looks very chaotic. However, I hope you can start to see how a canopy could start to take shape.
I have done alot of the post and I know that no one else is playing with these, but I have millions of these in Southeast Texas so if nothing else, they are really good practice for bonsai techniques. Tell me what you think.

[plantmanky]

dbrock,

Hey bud, that's looking very good!!!!!! I love the basic shape. Give it a few years to develop the canopy and it will be a very nice tree indeed and will give you outstanding fall color! I wish I could find a couple of them to play around with. I just love that fire engine red fall color.

Randy

[dbrock]

Hey Randy,
Thanks for your opinion. If you are realy interested in one of these, my email is dalewbrock@yahoo.com. Send me an email and I will find you one or two if you want them.

[dbrock]

This is how much this tree has filled in during this growing season. It is hard to believe that the tree has developed this much since that picture of no leaves and scraggly limbs late winter.

[dbrock]

This picture is the true effect of what I was pushing for in developing this tree. This picture was taken from viewing level (about 4 to 5 inches above the level of the pot) as you look up at the canopy. We see bonsai all the time looking staight on at it and examining the structure, the foliage, the trunk, and the roots. I wanted this tree to make you look at a tree the way we normally do in nature, up. I am interested in what you think about it.

[dbrock]

After Ryan looked at my trees, he said that if he lived down near Houston that he would be doing the Tallows like mad. Although he didn't really like the one fashioned in a Aspen like design, he did like the refinement qualities of the species. With all that said, that is what I am going to do. I took some cues on soil for collecting Yamadori from Ryan and the last two I collected have shown no sign of stress with the transplant. One of the two trees had some foliage down near the base and with cutting the surface roots back and completely sawing off the tap root, the foliage did not even wilt. Pretty amazing for a deciduous tree.
Anyway, if anyone is interested in purchasing a Tallow, let me know. Randy, I have not forgotten you. I think it will be easier to ship in the winter or early spring. I need to send you a picture of the one we had discussed, it is growing like mad. It is extremely healthy and waiting for it's new home.

[plantmanky]

Dale,

Sounds like you've got the nack down for collecting Sapium! I agree that this tree has much potential to make very fine bonsai. This time of the year in my mind is the best time for this tree with it's spactacular red fall colors! Keep us informed of your progress.

[dbrock]

Fall colors are starting to develope. Will post others later.

[ross.clark]

The twigs are prone to die back in winter to an extent, but I suppose that could be overcome. Don't expect the leaves to reduce much when it is grown in a pot.