What species is this? Do you think it can be trained?

[killarkai]

Hi, my mom sent me pictures of these shrubs in her garden (she is based in Malaysia). She was wondering if they could be trained as bonsai. Judging from the relatively thick trunk, I think there is potential.

Can anyone ID the species? Do you think it can be trained?

[Firecat]

Some kind of Buxus.
If so it can be trained..won't fetch a ball but will repay your kindness.
As a side note.."get some dirt in the pot and water well.

Steve.

[killarkai]

Some kind of Buxus.

Tried googling image, and it does look like a Buxus! Thank you and I shall pass that info through

[Thymetraveller]

I think its Buxus Microphylla - Japanese Box, and they can make superb bonsai! Theythicken very slowly, so it can be very hard to find good fat trunks like the ones in your photos - they must be quite old!

They can be brittle when wiring, and fussy about backbudding, but bear this in mind and they are fun to work with!
Here's a link to one of my favourite bloggers with some very useful advice on buxus:
https://adamaskwhy.com/2013/03/01/its-a ... -a-bonsai/

If your mom goes ahead and styles them be sure to post updates!

Cheers

Thymetraveller

[Firecat]

Here's a link to one of my favourite bloggers with some very useful advice on buxus:
https://adamaskwhy.com/2013/03/01/its-a ... -a-bonsai/

If your mom goes ahead and styles them be sure to post updates!

Cheers

Thymetraveller

It will go great.. If the wood is young it will bud.
This link is great for me as well with my Box..
Thanks
Steve.

[killarkai]

Thank you for the very insightful link! My own boxwood (harlandii) is still not showing signs of growth weeks after repotting it, the link mentioned that they do grow very slowly, knowing that comforts me a little