Melaleuca Linariifolia - Progression

[Naimul]

My first time attending the Ausbonsai Market in Auburn, and left with an enormous Melaleuca linariifolia. I did not catch the original owner's name, but it seemed like she was downsizing her collection of 'giant' bonsai. Good thing i didnt have much more money left or room in the car, would have likely taken the whole table!

Amazing looking tree, clearly has some age, and definitely cherished. This will be my first "final stage" tree, in stark contrast to all my other trees which are all still starters sticks in a pot.

My only concern at the moment is that there has been some carved segments along the trunk, and on one branch but doesnt seem to have been treated. i had a dig with my fingers, and the wood just fell apart. is it just a matter of cleaning it out untill i reach hard wood, then going over with wood hardner? i might carve a bit of an exit so that water does not pool.

I just hope i can keep it looking like it is.

[Steven]

Hi Naimul,

The original owner was Jan B and all her trees are very old.

Mel wood is pretty soft so it doesn't make a good deadwood feature. You could clean them out and put cut paste on there and they will heal over eventually. Or you could leave them as features and let the tree deal with them naturally.

Nice tree you picked up.

Regards
Steven

[[ Kane ]]

Great tree! great species too. Enjoy. They love a bit of water too.

[shibui]

Dead wood is definitely a feature of Aussie trees so you can keep it as a feature if you like.
I'd keep carving until you reach solid wood. Extend the hollow downward to provide drainage. Apply lime sulphur to the wood to make it last a bit longer this time.

If you don't like the look of a hollow trunk I think you could use the other side as the front.