AusBonsai

pretty sure i mentioned it before, but John Batty said to wait till Spring/Summer to watch the petioles as they should start to turn a more solid red as the leaf matures.

I know mine develop differing levels. One MB has a beautiful deep blood red from the petiole and deep into the vein of the leaf, and another MB has a more normal reddish colour that isn't as striking.

Growing a cutting for years is not an identifier that would be recommended.

There are going to be variances in all the different specimens of the MBs and PJs etc etc. to say with confidence that PJ get the red petioles is not really scientific. The vast majority of MBs and PJs I’ve seen exhibit the differences shown from the red petioles.

How do you know for certain your PJ with red petioles is in fact a PJ?

I’d consider it more of a guideline that I’ve used and seems pretty good so far

For anyone wanting to know how to differentiate between scientific names, a published key to the species is what you should be using, for example this one from the RBG https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi- ... name=Ficus which clearly states leaf size is one way to do it.

Take measurements, compare.

Hi Rory,

A great explanation, but what are the chances of updating the post with the original images again? (as none are displaying).

Cheers.