[ID] Native

[Damian79]

Hi Guys
Can someone please tell me what this is?

tree.jpg

trunk.jpg

foliage.jpg

I know they are not the best photos, but it was as close as I could get.

Damian

[Sno]

G'day Damian .looks similar to micromyrtus.

[Damian79]

Thanks Sno

[Joel]

Also check out the closely related Thryptomene saxicola. It is from W.A. but grown all around Australia and forms interesting trunks too.

Joel

[Damian79]

Thanks Guys
Do either of these make good bonsai?

[Sno]

I recently bought a 150mm pot Micromyrtus ciliata . I did some major root work on it and then put it in a 'pond pot' to grow on. It' just starting to push new growth now. As to the question does it make good bonsai ill let you know my opinion in ten years.
By the look of the trunk in your photo I reckon it has great potential.

[Damian79]

Thanks again Sno
the only concern I have is that the foliage is not close to the trunk at all. Its only at the ends of the thin branches. Will this backbud if trimmed back?
Yes The trunk looks fantastic that is what drew me to this tree. Just not too sure how health it is. Ill try to get some better pics.

[GavinG]

I don't know specifically about this one, but many of the small-leafed natives (many Leptos, Baeckeas, Kunzeas and so on) don't bud back on bare wood. Having said that, I bought a straggly Baeckea last autumn and cut it back to the last few leaves - it sulked all through winter, but set buds back on older wood, and is now powering on. It may be that timing is critical. Much the safest to cut back only to the last few leaves with these little critters.

Gavin

[shibui]

Pics not clear enough for an accurate guess and would also need flowers for a definitive ID.
Both the suggestions so far also occurred to me as well though I think Thryptomene is more common in gardens than micromyrtus.
There are about 40 thryptomene sp, some from eastern aust as well as WA species. They have a reputation for dropping dead - usually result of root rot. I have transplanted 1 from the growing beds successfully and it has produced shoots from old wood so may have some future as bonsai.
Bothe thryptomene and micromyrtus end up with great feature trunks so if its possible to grow compact foliage they will be great. Micromyrtus grows near me in small pockets and cracks in bare granite outcrops. older specimens are magnificent shrubs.

[Damian79]

Thanks Shibui
ill try to get some better pics.

[Damian79]

Hi Guys
ok so from what im told by the lovely old lady that is letting me dig this up, its a Micromyrtus.
When is the best time to dig this species up?

[MattA]

I have no experience with collecting Micromyrtus but for most natives I use flowering as my guide, digging just before or just after.

[shibui]

Also no direct experience with digging micromyrtus but based on similar plants I'd say late spring and summer. From the little experience I have winter is the worst time as roots seem to rot in cool, damp soil.

ps. Well picked Sno