AusBonsai

G'day native fans,

Following are some pictures of Casuarina cunninghamiana growing in their native habitat on my rural property. The tree's are estimated to be between 100 and 150 years old and some of the larger ones are over 2.5 meters diameter at the base.
This installment of pictures is focusing on the branch structure and foliage.
I encourage you to study the pictures and discuss elements that we could copy in our bonsai.

Further posts will focus on nebari, uro and trunks also whole trees.

Regards,
Steven

Steven
wonderful images! I'm delighted by the strongly positive response of many viwers too.

The line of the branches is so often at odds with that of the trunk. At first glance the branch lines seem wild, erratic and almost 'anything goes'. That may be true to some extent also. There is also some order and meaning, thus a story for each curve or sudden change of direction. If one seeks these meanings, it becomes possible to conjure a story of what the tree has been through. Often for these trees, of these ages, they have been through multiple episodes that have shaped their form.

Cheers and thanks
Kunzea

These are all photos of one tree, an Allocasuarina stricta, or Drooping She Oak, taken on the east coast of Tasmania near the ocean.

Ambrose.

just came across these post, thought i'd bump them, great posts Steven , cheers mate,,

Hi steven.
That deadwood is amazing.(not having a shot at anyones imagination or there visions) I think now to many of us portray and create deadwood into more of A fantasy instead if its natural state. I love the casuarina since I read your post an are seriously thinking im going to go all native thanks for the inspiration

Hi Jade,
Have you started work on any Casuarina yet?
Regards,
Steven