John Y. Naka Award 2010: The American Bonsai Society

摘要

Black Mangrove, Avicennia germinans, is a good species for bonsai. Despite its common name, this is the lightest in color of the mangroves. Black Mangrove has opposite leaves, pale gray-green that can become almost white, which is also why it may be known as white buttonwood. The leaves are shiny above, and often found encrusted with salt. The leaves are usually larger than most mangroves at 4.5 to 15 centimeters (two to six inches) long and are oblong to lanceolate in shape. However, they can be reduced to % cm or less if the branches are constantly pinched. The tree can grow up to eight meters (24 feet) in high. The flowers are small — 0.2 centimeters (l/8th of an inch), white to yellow in color, and blooms from November to May. The fruit is about one centimeter (0.5 inch) in length and irregularly oblique shaped.