From: bartlone@gemed (Michel Bartolone)
Subject: Fukien tea
Followup-To: alt.bonsai
Keywords: Fukien tea Carmona microphylla
Reply-To: "bartlone@gemed.ge.com"
Organization: GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI, USA
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 92 20:08:11 GMT

I got the following letter about 2 weeks ago. Its got some good info,
so I thought I'd post it to the group.. I hope you enjoy it!

From dervalko@iro.umontreal.ca  Mon Nov  9 11:04:15 1992
To: bartlone@med.ge.com
Subject: Carmona microphylla

Description:
The Fukien tea is an evergreen shrub capable of attaining six feet at
maturity in its native Fukien province in southern China. There are
three varieties having large, medium and small-sized leaves. Only the
latter are used for bonsai cultivation. Its leaves are tiny, dark green
and very shiny. Flowers are white and star-like having five petals.
Flowering time is in spring and early summer although flowering occurs
sporadically throughout the year especially when grown under artificial
lights. Fruits are round and borne singly. They turn from green to a
beautiful translucent red and finally break open to release their seeds
which take three to four months to germinate.
Growing conditions:
Being a tropical shrub, the fukien tea prefers warm, humid weather. It
should be left outdoors in warm weather in order to encourage abundant
flowering. Bright or direct sunlight is best but try to avoid late
afternoon sunshine which causes leaves to wilt. If so, spray the foliage
immediately.
Wintering:
When cool weather arrives, the Fukien tea must be brought indoors as it
cannot survive temperatures under 8 degree Celsius (46 degree F). Indoors
it should be kept in a bright, sunny window preferably facing west or
south. Or it can be grown under artificial lighting. The standard set-
up of two or three fluorescent 40 watt tubes is ideal. Preferably use
one or two daylight tubes and one warm daylight. Suspend the reflector
approximately 12 to 18 in. from the top of the tree and set an automatic
timer for 14 to 16 hours of light daily.
Soil:
Fukien tea thrive in a rich, moist but porous well-drained soil (1 part
loam, 2 parts peat moss and 2 parts sharp sand). They prefer a slightly
acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5). Extra applications of chelated iron may be
needed. Repotting should be carried out once every two or three years in
the spring or early summer before the new buds have sprouted.
Watering:
Fukien tea cannot bear a wet, soggy soil but never let the soil dry out.
When conditions become too hot or dry, its leaves will blacken and fall
off. If this occurs water thoroughly and in two or three weeks a new set
of leaves will appear. Leaf shedding often occurs naturally two or three
times yearly, especially after blooming and fruiting, and seems to be
the plant's way of replacing its foliage.
Fertilizing:
Due to its prolific flowering and fruiting habits, the Fukien tea is a
heavy feeder. It requires frequent light feedings during the growing season.
Insect pests:
In summer, outdoors, Fukien tea is often prey to aphids. In winter,
especially in warm dry atmospheres, they are highly susceptible to spider
mites. In such cases never use a systemic insecticide. Preferably use Pentac,
Kelthane or Malathion.
Training techniques:
Fukien tea has a zigzag-like growth habit that some find disconcerting but
which gives it a unique Chinese air. This should be used to advantage. It
should be trained primarily by pruning branches and nipping new growth.
Never trim in winter.
Cultivation:
Fukien tea roots readily from cuttings except in autumn or winter (under
lights it will root anytime). The starter medium should be a 1:1 mixture of
sharp sand and peat moss.
Societe de Bonsai et de Penjing de Montreal, Bulletin, vol. V, no. 2,
October 1983, pages 6-7.
Reference: Jean Smith, "Fukien Tea, A Tree Worth Knowing", Florida Bonsai,
Spring 1977.

The Montreal Botanical Garden displays many Fukien Tea and Chinese Elm
(Ulmus Parvifolia) donated by Mr. Wu Yee-sun of Hong Kong and by the
Shanghai Botanic Garden. Should you have the opportunity to come to Montreal
in summertime, a visit to the Japanese Garden and the Chinese Garden of the
Montreal Botanical Garden is a must.

>From : Marie-Claire Delcenserie, member of the Societe de Bonsai et de Penjing
de Montreal located in the Japanese Pavilion of the Montreal Botanical Garden,
4101 Sherbrooke East Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada  H1X 2B2.

-- 
.oOo.  .oOo.   .oOo.  .oOo.   .oOo.  .oOo.   .oOo.  .oOo.   .oOo.  .oOo.   .oOo.

--
bartlone@last.med.ge.com | 'Think tree...
In your mind, make picture..now open eyes..
make like picture...' paraphrased from
                    'The Karate Kid'

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