[DEAD] [cre8ivbonsai] Metrosideros Carminea 1

[cre8ivbonsai]

Species Metrosideros Carminea (Rata Vine)

Current Height 140mm

Where from Bargin Bench at Diaco's

Cost $3

I've never seen/heard of this species before, but for $3 thought it unusual enough to give it a go. Apparently it's native to NZ and shows bright red flowers (a bit like those of a flowering gum?)

rata1.jpg

rata3.jpg

[cre8ivbonsai]

It appears this little fella did not like being disturbed root trimmed, repotted, and trimmed two weeks ago, it now looks like this just proves not all kiwis are tough and could well be a premature departure from this comp

one down ... two to go

[cre8ivbonsai]

Oh ... one thing learned about this species is you can't wire them up! they snap before they bend ... can only be styled by clip & grow method

[Craig]

They certainly can be wired , you need to be very careful, they don't call this tree Ironwood for nothing , the heartwood is very very hard and young branches very brittle. New shoots should be gently directed where you want them to be, don't wait till they lignify.

[cre8ivbonsai]

This entry is withdrawn, confirmed dead Peter H you're not alone