If the collected Sierra juniper below tells a story, I’m not sure what to make of it. Nicknamed, “hermaphrodite,” the tree received a lot of attention at Bay Island Bonsai’s recent exhibit. The deadwood and shari are interesting, but not without controversy. Discussion often involves whether or not the primary branch is necessary. For now the answer is yes.
Sierra juniper
side view
Deadwood detail
Deadwood detail
deadwood detail
As displayed in the exhibit
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carlos castillo says
well… i’m really think that the tree will look better without the branch, of course I can’t see it in 3D. Any way, should be fun make a photoshop and remove the branch.
Excelent podcast
Rui Ferreira says
The dead wood is very interesting but in my opinion needs a counter-balance.
The branch brings that balance.
It’s the pot I’m not too sure about.
The round shape softens too much the butch caracter of the tree!
Bruce winter says
“Necessary?” To be a dynamic, excellent bonsai? Maybe not, but I think the branch should stay. The uro are outrageous!
Stavros says
IMHO, i think that if you want a japanese style “copy” then you can remove the branch. If you want a unique tree, the branch stays. We are trying to imitate nature, right???
I think that you should keep it.
John Kirby says
We frequently debate the “male” component of the hermaphrodite. The owner has kicked it around for the 5 years or so that I have known him. I don’t know how many times we have looked at this tree (as a group) with a white towel hanging on it to see what it will look like without the branch. Lot’s of folks have discussed this tree, I believe that the branch will be there for a long time. Long live the Mighty Hermaphrodity.
AlexV says
I think it is worth keeping the branch just because it causes so much discussion.
Morten says
I have always wanted that long branch removed. But now with more foliage than in earlier years. I am beginning to like the long branch a tiny bit more.
Kimora said, “keep it.” All the other Japanese Koku Fu winners (3) who have seen it said, “keep it.”
What don’t I get here?
Howard Smith says
I was thinking that the primary branch was maybe too full; starting to compete with the apex foliage mass. So I guess I would suggest giving it a Brazilian.
Satsuki says
I really like this tree. I think when a good tree gets people to notice it, it says something. The primary branch certainly adds something to this tree that I feel would be taken away if cut off.
Thanks for sharing it, I always enjoy your posts.
Andrew