Unexpected surprises are serendipitous within the bonsai hobby I participate in, yet they happen nonetheless.
From time to time I find a small tree sprouting in the backyard, and sometimes I choose to dig it up, and replant it in a pot to allow it to continue to develop.
This maple tree is one of these such cases, and it has become something rare and beautiful.
Follow my photo journey today as I show you the progress made on this tree over the past season.
The photo above shows this tree on March 31, 2025.
Historical Information
ID: 0079
Nickname: Licorice
Type: Maple
Age: 4 years
Grown: yamadori (collected from my own yard)
Last repotting: late spring 2025
Wired: June 15, 2025
First New Leaves
After a scalding hot month of May, and the high temperatures continuing in June, many of the early leaves scorched before they could develop fully.
Luck was on our side, as this tree started to push out new leaves.
Many advantages occur due to the late Spring setback.
The new leaves will be smaller.
Leaves will sprout more plentifully along the interior portions of the tree, as well as the branch tips.
Internodes (length of branch before it divides) will form shorter than those that would have extended from the early Spring branches.
Underdeveloped branches become swollen with renewed vigor.
Renewed Potential
Unphased by the fire and smoke of the Summer blaze and holiday fireworks, the Maple has fully embraced adapted to withstand, and thrive under the fiercest ultraviolet rays.
Leaves are brilliant green, supple, and supported by strong upright stems.
I have chosen not to shade this tree at all because it has shown no signs of stress on the leaves. All it requires is a daily drink of water.
The close-up here shows the twisted bark that has formed.
Tepwo years ago the shape of the trunk was formed using a wire for support. The bark thickened a couple millimeters in two months, and the cambium layer was forced to stretch and fold over the wire.
Even after the wire was removed, the scar continues to swell and stretch against itself.
A badly wired branch (the wire is criss crossing) under the canopy remains in place, and will be monitored and removed as soon as the branch thickens enough to maintain the shape angle.
Peak Health
A stark contrast against the dying, dormant lawn, this tree is hydrated, happy, and brimming with full life.
This close-up shows the outstanding texture designs along the twisted trunk.
With the shadows of the high sun in place, the tree takes on the character of an ancient tree of treasures.
A few quick snips, and the inner sucker branches have been removed.
Upward extending twigs have been shortned down to the next node where other vigorous leaves remained.
Here on the reverse facing side of the tree more of the branch and trunk shapes are visible.
The reason this side of the interior is visible is because the front of the tree was facing the south sun. Leaves adjust their angle of growth like smart solar panels. This has two beneficial functions.
The trunk, roots, and soil become shaded from the sun, allowing better retention of water, and secondly, the leaves can absorb maximum light to produce more sugar.
The result is a tree that is overflowing with energy, with plenty is can use to heal wounds and store up for next year's new leaf growth.
Bonus Photos
Photos in this post are all #originalworks by @creativetruth, unless stated otherwise.
#teambonsai @hive-193614 #bonsai
No memberships. Love trees. Make friends. Grow together.
Let my success also grant you some happiness too.