Literati slowly getting there

[EdwardH]

This is my first attempt at a literati and for some reason back in 2007 I thought that a Elaeocarpus reticulatus was the perfect native species to use. If my memory serves correctly, I had cut off quite a few branches that I had used to thicken the trunk and when finished I realised that I had cut off ALL the lower branches so the obvious solution was to train a tree with large course leaves into a literati. Go figure. Oh well, where there is a will there is a way.
All suggestions on how to improve the tree are welcome.

Below is a pic of the tree before this afternoons trim.

2014 Dec A.JPG

Below is a pic of the tree after this afternoons trim.

2014 Dec D.JPG

[wattynine]

Interesting choice of tree, I'll give you that, if you can get it right it will certainly be unique.
the top is too heavy for the rest of the tree, could use some jinning down.
Good luck
Watty

[EdwardH]

The top is the result of two failed thread grafts. The first was left for one year and the second was left on for two years before separating. On both occasions the new growth was substantially larger than the original branch used, especially the two year old graft yet neither "took". The second attempt had a very large swelling around the exit of the branch. Generally a sign of a successful thread graft. Not this time
Re the top, I'm in two minds as to jinn it or simply cut it off all together. At the moment I'm focused on reducing the leaves and developing the foliage pads. Time will tell which way I will go with the top.

[EdwardH]

2016.png

This is my literati slowly getting there. It had it's haircut and the pads are starting to form. The middle and bottom branch are filling out OK however the top branch was too far from the trunk. I just cut back the top branch leaving a couple of little shoots so that I can bring it a bit closer to the trunk.
I have had no success in reducing the leaves as yet so if anyone has had any success I would love to learn your secret As always, I am open to any comments to improve this tree.

[dansai]

I have a couple. Whenever I cut back hard the leaves come back large and internodes long. Probably the best method would be to get as much ramification as possible to spread the energy.

[GavinG]

I think it can work well, particularly if you can coax a berry or two.... Maybe watch the two low pads, they seem to sit on the same level in the photo. Have you considered defoliating? I'd certainly try it on something younger first. Good luck.

Gavin