Fukien Tea Bonsai
The Fukien Tea is a commonly used tree for indoor bonsai. It is readily available and quite easy for the beginner to look after. It is also popularly known as Carmona microphylla which was its old scientific name. This has been updated recently to Ehretia micropylla (buxifolia), just to confuse us!The Fukien Tea not only has attractive small leaves and little white flowers but also very interesting bark which is light grey with darker warty type areas. If fertilised, the flowers turn into little red berries.It makes a great choice for even the smallest bonsai exhibit.The Fukien needs to be watered and then left to almost dry out before watering again. Too much water causes root rot, but if not enough watering then the tree will dry out and lose its leaves. As is the case with lots of bonsai, watering is a balancing act.If the tree does lose its leaves keep the soil moist but not soaking wet, the leaves should grow back in a week or two.The fukien would make a nice addition to any bonsai collection, and its little leaves, white flowers and tiny red fruits make for a lovely year round display.
