Monkey-thorn African Bonsai for sale | Apiesdoring | Senegalia galpinii
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Can Monkey-thorn be grown as a bonsai?
Monkey-thorn (uniquely identified by it's scientific name Senegalia galpinii) is a bushveld thorn tree with hooked thorns. It is a general rule that all hooked thorn trees are suitable to grow as bonsai trees. Monkey-thorn is known for its twice compound leaves, and rough, corky longitudinally furrowed bark. It quickly grows a thickset trunk -an attribute which is highly desirable for bonsai application. Monkey-thorn is a deciduous tree. As a bonsai, it will bring the seasonal rhythm of Africa into your home. It's growth rate is fast and the tree will achieve a mature bonsai look after about 3 years. Clearly the species is a "must have" for inclusion in our African Bonsai product range (#AfricanBonsai). It is also listed in our thorn tree African Bonsai gallery. (Search #ThorntreeAfricanBonsai). Figure 1 shows the distribution of Senegalia galpinii
Figure 1. Distribution map of Senegalia galpinii. Courtesy Keith Coates Palgrave 2002.
Cities per country (dots) from left to right:
Namibia -Walvisbay
-Windhoek
South Africa -Cape town
-Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth)
-Bloemfontein
-East London
-Johannesburg
-Durban
Botswana - Gaberone
Zimbabwe - Harare
Mozambique - Maputu
- Beira
Monkey-thorn African Bonsai shapes and size
Our size and shape information is based on observation in the bushveld, experience gained by growing Monkey-thorn at our Treeshop nursery and descriptions found in authoritative handbooks.
Monkey-thorn is a fast growing, large tree with spreading branches and a large, round crown. Senegalia galpinii is not endemic to the Kruger National Park and we have not yet had the opportunity to study the impact of wild life on the shape of this species. (Photos of specimen Monkey-thorn to follow.)
The Table below gives approximate height that Monkey-thorn bonsais may achieve in different containers sizes:
Container size | 2-6 Liter | 25 Liter | 80 Liter
Bonsai tree height | 40cm | 90cm | 150cm
How do I care for my Monkey-thorn bonsai?
Monkey-thorn responds well to pruning and you can easily develop a dense foliaged canopy. It is best to place the tree in full sunlight during its growing period (from just before budding up to full leaf shedding). Provide for good air circulation around the tree. We recommend that you induce leaf shedding during late autumn by cutting back on water. This will force your bonsai tree into a resting period. You can (and should) take it inside if your winter temperature falls below zero.
Water needs depend on climatic conditions and leaf mass. The species tend to “close” it leaves when under water stress. Generally, it requires moderate water in summer and almost nothing in winter.
Feed your Monkey-thorn African Bonsai with a balanced fertilizer in spring when budding is imminent, and again in mid-summer. More on this topic on our blog post. (To follow)
Monkey-thorn 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.
Monkey-Thorn African Bonsai stock for sale
#MonkeyThornAfricanBonsai
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