[magpie] Duranta

[magpie]

• Species name: Duranta
• Current height: 400mm
• Origin:collected in friend's garden
• Cost: free

This tree collected few years back as a small sampling and allow to grow freely. Even though duranta is not a traditional candidate for ROR, this summer I potted on the sandstone as ROR but not done any trunk or branch training. Not sure about the time frame, that I can create ROR in 18 months but I would like to have a try. May be this is the start and I can see ROR in 10 years.

[Jan]

Good choice of rock; it makes a nice match to the line of the trunk. The right rock is often VERY hard to find. Nice texture to the trunk bark.

How did you position the roots on the rock? What did you use to hold them in place when you had decided on the composition? I'm a fan of root over rock styles (and a fan of interesting rocks) and look forward to seeing how this one progresses.

Jan.

[magpie]

Thanks Jan, I 'm also fan of root over rock styles.
I used what ever available at that time to secure roots to the rock, like wires, cling wrap, grafting tape..ect. The main problem I encounter was that sandstone doesn't have much holes or channels on it surface, so I have to wait and see what is the outcome in next repotting (next summer). Hopefully it will be something worthy to show.
cheers,magpie

[jezz_39]

Interesting to see how well the roots of this species clasps to the rock. I have seen some great examples of Duranta so will be watching this with great interest

[magpie]

Update
work done last week.
Had branch selection, haircut and wiring.
current height from the rim of the pot to the tip of the apex: 10cm, but It will more when I unearth the rock towards the end of the competition.

[Neli]

Let me know how the root over rock goes. I am also battling with a duranta for the competition.

[KyBonzai]

going to be watching this one
big fan of root over rock styles and i have an airlayer on a duranta so will be nice to see what can be done with them

[magpie]

Update
I am happy with the ramification so far.

[magpie]

Hi Steven and Kcpoole,
The photos I have uploaded here came blank, but thumbnails are working. Do you think I should upload them again or keep them as it is?

[Shane]

Think this is another tree to watch in the competition. Cheers Shane

[jezz_39]

I must admit the latest update had me fooled for a minute. The trunk and rock blend together perfectly, a big contender for sure. Keep up the good work

[magpie]

Thank you for your complements..!!
Update
I have to admit I had forgotten this tree for the last few months.
Need good clean up. Hope to update it regularly in coming warmer months.