Native NZ Trees as Bonsai
There are many trees unique to New Zealand. Some of these make good subjects for bonsai, others are not so good. Below are details of some trees with a guide to their suitability for use in bonsai. This is only a guide and should not put you off from trying anything.
Most popular:
Kahikatea
Forest canopy tree. Small brownish leaves of long-persisting juvenile form. Natural formal upright. Easily trained, profuse bud-back, slow-growing. Cuttings grown from an adult tree will retain the adult characteristics.
Totara
Forest canopy tree. Small leaves, attractive bark, easily trained, slow-growing and slow bud-back. There are several other species of Podocarpus suitable esp. P. acutifolius.
Southern Beech
Very attractive trees, small leaves, easily trained, need very good drainage to avoid fungal infections. Mountain and Silver are the most suitable. All species have a mycorrhizal fungus.
Pohutukawa
Originally called the New Zealand Christmas Tree. Brilliant flowers. Large leaves which reduce if flowering is sacrificed. M. kermadecensis is similar but with smaller leaves.
Kowhai
Fast growing, deciduous, always attractive. Compound leaves, small leaflets, some types flowering as bonsai. Very forgiving. S. prostrata has the smallest leaves, is easily trained but is slow to thicken the trunk.
Rata
Some trees, some vines, all dramatic flowering. M. robusta is epiphytic so is suitable for root over rock. M. umbellata has small leaves and with time makes great bonsai.
Corokia
Many cultivars. Small leaves. Easily grown and styled. Quick results. C. cotoneaster “North cape” are naturally prostrate and make wonderful bonsai.
Coprosma
Quick-growing rather short-lived trees, with some species making attractive bonsai. Easy
Pokaka
Long-persisting small juvenile leaves, Attractive trunk and branching.
Kanuka & Manuka
Very attractive flowering shrub. No bud-back, hates root disturbance, needs close attention. Unforgiving.
Less common:
Kauri
A wondrous giant but juvenile habit is anti-bonsai.
Cabbage Tree
Gimmicky addition to a native collection. Leaves too long to be a convincing miniature.
Tree Ferns
Grow easily but hard to keep to scale.
Miro: Forest canopy tree. Small leaves, Trains well. Slow bud-back and slow growing.
Matai: Forest canopy tree. Long-persisting juvenile stage. Easily maintained. Best grown from adult cuttings or layering.
Kotukutuku: Medium leaves, small flowers, flaky bark. Fast growing and buds back well.
Hinau: Larger leaves. Beautiful flowers when grown from cutting.
Kamahi: Attractive serrated leaves that reduce well. Hard to transplant.
Kaikomako: Long-persisting small juvenile leaves.
Mountain Toatoa: Attractive unusual leafless tree.
Kawaka Pahautea: NZ’s only ‘cedars’. Slow-growing. Hard to transplant.
Mingimingi: Shrub with small leaves and minute flowers. Sulks.
Puriri: Large tree, very gnarled and hollowed. Large leaves reduce well.
Broadleaf: Very hardy. Leaves reduce well and has great bark.
Pittosporum: Shrub, but sometimes a convincing bonsai.
Ake ake: Easily-grown. Long brownish green leaves reduce a little. Attractive flaky bark.
Silver Pine: Small leaves. Very slow growing.
Yellow Silver Pine: Small leaves. Very slow growing.
Bog Pine: Small leaves. Very slow growing.
Whitey Wood: Very easy and fast growing. Leaves reduce well and it back-buds. Multiple trunks would fuse together.
Tree daisies: These have great papery bark.
Ngaio: Rugged coastal tree.
Rimu
Forest giant. Grows readily but pendulous branchlets make realism difficult.
Lancewood
Long-lasting juvenile form of ridiculously long leaves. Great gimmick bonsai.