Bluebush Star-apple African Bonsai for sale | Bloubos | Diospyros lycioides
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Can Bluebush star-apple be grown as a bonsai?
We selected Bluebush Star-apple (uniquely identified by its scientific name Diospyros lycioides) for our African Bonsai product range (#AfricanBonsai) because of its small leaves and compact growth form. Bluebush bears edible fruit. The name extension "Star-apple" refers to this. Consequently we listed it as part of our sub-product range "Edible wild fruit African Bonsai" (#EdibleWildFruitAfricanBonsai) Bluebush is a hardy, densely branched, semi-deciduous tree with a shrub-like growth form. Diospyros lycioides has a wide distribution across Southern Africa, indicating that the tree is able to adapt to different climates and soil conditions. All the above add to the species' suitability as an African Bonsai tree. It will achieve a mature bonsai look after about 4 years.
Figure 1. Distribution map of Bluebush Star-apple. Courtesy Keith Coats Palgrave 2002.
Cities per country (dots) from left to right:
Namibia -Walvisbay
-Windhoek (hidden)
South Africa -Cape town
-Gqeberha (prev Port Elizabeth) (hidden)
-Bloemfontein (hidden)
-East London (hidden)
-Johannesburg (hidden)
-Durban (hidden)
Botswana - Gaberone (hidden)
Zimbabwe - Harare (hidden)
Mozambique - Maputu (hidden)
- Beira
Bluebush Star-apple African Bonsai shapes and size
Our size and shape information is based on observation in nature, experience gained by growing Bluebush at our Treeshop nursery and descriptions found in authoritative handbooks.
We observed that Bluebush, in its natural habitat, has an informal, bushy form with a low branching structure. It seems as if the tree is not a favorite for browsing by antelope. (Photo to follow.)
The Table below gives approximate height that Bluebush Star-apple bonsais may achieve in different containers sizes:
Container size | 2-6 Liter | 25 Liter | 80 Liter
Bonsai tree height | 30cm | 60cm | 100cm
How do I care for my Bluebush African bonsai?
Bluebush responds well to pruning and can be shaped in just about any form. It is best to place the tree in full sunlight during its growing period (from just before budding up to mid autumn). Provide for good air circulation around the tree. We recommend that you reduce watering in autumn to force the tree into rest. It is a hardy species and will tolerate temperatures as low as -6C.
Water needs depend on climatic conditions and leaf mass. The species is quite water wise. Generally, it requires moderate water in summer and almost nothing in winter.
Feed your Bluebush African Bonsai with a flower and fruit stimulating fertilizer in spring when budding is imminent, and again in mid-summer. More on this topic on our blog post. (To follow)
Bluebush Star-apple is not pest prone. The best way to control pests is to keep it in in a sunny, well-ventilated spot. Keep your tree healthy and avoid the use of pesticides.
Bluebush Star-apple African Bonsai stock for sale
#BlueBushAfricanBonsai | #BlueBushStarAppleAfrican Bonsai | #EdibleWildFruitAfricanBonsai
To enquire, please fill out our contact form. Remember to provide stock numbers (printed in yellow on image) for the products you are interested in.
Stock available in small pots (2-6 Liter)
Stock available in medium pots (25 Liter)
Work in Progress
Stock available in large pots (80Liter)
Work in Progress