how old is my bougainvillea?

[bogan]

I am in the process of acquiring a bougy that is very very large. I have over 100 bougys in bonsai pots varying in size and age and have a fair idea of a bougys age from its bark and nebari etc. This tree is different because it has a trunk that measures almost 2 meters in circumference. The previous owner has had it in the bonsai pot for over 40 years with documentation. He said it would be 100+ years old. Could this be even possible? I have a little bit of doubt because the bark is not as scaly as my trees which I know are 60 years old. The tree is located in Queensland which could explain the exceptional growth whereas im in adelaide.

[Rory]

I am in the process of acquiring a bougy that is very very large. I have over 100 bougys in bonsai pots varying in size and age and have a fair idea of a bougys age from its bark and nebari etc. This tree is different because it has a trunk that measures almost 2 meters in circumference. The previous owner has had it in the bonsai pot for over 40 years with documentation. He said it would be 100+ years old. Could this be even possible? I have a little bit of doubt because the bark is not as scaly as my trees which I know are 60 years old. The tree is located in Queensland which could explain the exceptional growth whereas im in adelaide.

Does it seriously matter? And if so, if the circum. is 2 meteres, well... I can't imagine it having a great taper, but age doesn't really matter, it is more the look of the tree itself that is the issue. You could have a 100 yr old bougy, or a 20 year old masterpiece. Can you imagine the maintenance and work required on a 2 metre circumference bonsai...... no thanks.

[Eusto]

A picture might help.

[banksia]

2 meters in circumference!! That sounds phenomenally large. A picture would be great as suggested.
Also how tall is this tree?. With such dimensions as you state it must be HUGE. I'd hate to think of postage costs involved.
If I can get to it today, I'll post a pic of one I have my eyes on. It's 45yrs old, as the owner of the house told me that it was planted in '68 when the house was built.
The house is to be demolished on a yet to be finalised date...but I have first dibs. This, in my eyes is huge...and I don't think it would be even half of what you state the one your acquiring is.
To be honest, I'm a little daunted by the challenge....but first, I have to get it out!!

Cheers!
Anthony

[Duckbed]

I want to see a photo of this....... Please!

Rick

[bogan]

Ill post a pic next week. Yes postage is the problem.a crane is involved in the move

[Beano]

Drive there and back. Can't wait to see this thing


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[Isitangus]

A crane!!!! I'm scared for you!!!

[trident76]

Hi bogan,
I don't suppose you are a member of the S.A. bonsai society? I would be interested to see this monster.
Cheers,
Luke

[Bonsaitrees (Craig)]

[quote="bogan"] I have a little bit of doubt because the bark is not as scaly as my trees which I know are 60 years old. quote]


Seems feesable to me . 40 years of documented history tells me the Owner/s new a thing or 3 !
With bougainvillea the bark can be safely removed. The objective or removal of the bark on a bougy would be to allow a slower regrowth of new Bark, which when matured should have smaller fissures/furrows and will be generally more in scale with the Trunk, which has grown in a Pot not the ground.
This proceedure/technique is same as used on Junipers although there are other reasons for doing it to Junipers.

Good luck with the beast!!

[DustyRusty]

any photos yet?