Monkey Thorn Bonsai

I worked on this Monkey Thorn bonsai early this morning. I trimmed back the tree and removed the weeds from the soil mixture. This tree is one of many of our indigenous trees that I am growing in my garden. They do not conform to the normal bonsai rules as they have their own unique way of growing.

I like monkey thorn trees as they grow very quickly. They have a flaky bark structure that adds to the visual power of the tree as the contrast between the bark and the leaves are very pleasing on the eye. The only down side to working on these trees are the thorns. You are unaware of them till you need to wire or trim the branches. As the small thorns bite into your skin you feel a light burn. This is not too painful but it is annoying. A few of these…