Unknown Species

Pitcha · Post by **Pitcha** » February 25th, 2019, 12:57 pm

Hi was waiting for my car to be detailed today and came across these unusual seed pods. Was wondering whether someone might be able to help me out in identifying them.

Pitcha · Post by **Pitcha** » February 25th, 2019, 1:22 pm

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Pitcha · Post by **Pitcha** » February 25th, 2019, 1:24 pm

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melbrackstone · Post by **melbrackstone** » February 25th, 2019, 1:29 pm

Black Bean Tree, also commonly referred to as Castanospermum Australe

demps · Post by **demps** » February 25th, 2019, 1:33 pm

Has anybody tried using these for bonsai? It would seem the leaf and leaflet size is an issue, although I’m interested if anybody has had any luck!

melbrackstone · Post by **melbrackstone** » February 25th, 2019, 1:35 pm

I've seen them used as accent plants, when a whole stack of the beans are planted in a tiny pot, you get a weird looking forest that looks interesting for a couple of years...

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Pitcha · Post by **Pitcha** » February 25th, 2019, 2:47 pm

Thank you Mel appricate the help. Amazing seed pods and quite the tree. I'll have to have a bit of a look into this species now.

Pitcha · Post by **Pitcha** » February 25th, 2019, 2:57 pm

Seems that this species does well indoors so I might raise a few and if they don't do well as bonsai they might be a candadant as an inside plant.

melbrackstone · Post by **melbrackstone** » February 25th, 2019, 3:22 pm

Sounds like a plan.

dansai · Post by **dansai** » February 25th, 2019, 3:33 pm

Like a lot of rainforest trees they tend to put most of their energy into growing one leader and straight up. Occasionally you might get a few shoots after a cut, but they all leave the trunk heading vertical. I have only tried on skinny trunks though, so you may be able let it grow tall and thicken up before cutting and you may have more luck.

Raging Bull · Post by **Raging Bull** » February 25th, 2019, 7:13 pm

I planted a black bean seed I picked up last year. It took about 3 months before it sprouted. It's about 5 months old now and has shot straight up. I pinched the tip out once and it grew another leader straight up without missing a beat. I'll let it get a bit older and then try again to make it grow some branches.
Good luck with it if you plant it.

Pitcha · Post by **Pitcha** » February 26th, 2019, 10:16 am

Thanks @raging bull. I put a couple of seeds in yesterday so we shall see what happens. Worst case scenario will be they will become part of my inside plant collection. I love how vibrant and green the young trees look and if i can keep it small enough it will look beautiful inside in the right pot.

AusBonsai

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