AusBonsai

Firethorn?

Hi mate,
Looks like a Cotoneaster to me, rather than Pyracantha(Firethorn).
About as hardy as Firethorn IMO, but without the thorns!

Cheers,
Steve.

Definately Cotoneaster

The tree is 5 metres tall.

Definitely Cotoneaster. There are plenty of species. Some small ground covers, others are larger trees. Many are weeds in Australia because the birds eat the fruit and spread the seeds.
http://www.weedsbluemountains.org.au/cotoneaster.php
http://www.weeds.org.au/cgi-bin/weedide ... l&card=S01

Are all types suitable for bonsai?

there are many good Cotoneaster as Bonsai

Ken

Daluke wrote:Are all types suitable for bonsai?

They are suitable for bonsai - look really good in a semi cascade and cascade form, especially when the berries 'fruit' start appearing

As already mentioned, very hardy and will adapt to bonsai quite well. Tough enough to be a good beginners choice
I prefer the smaller leaved species for bonsai but these will still make creditable trees. Even better if you can find one which already has some size to the trunk. Biggest trouble is finding one with some taper and movement. Most are strong and straight, often with multiple trunks. Whatever you get it will be a good learning experience even if it does not turn out to be a show stopper.