Carmona retusa is within bonsai circles in the Philippines. I have only heard it called Fukien Tea whether in person or on the web.
Some leaf variations occur and a strange leaf issue does arise at times. The Fukien Tea leaves develope some small bumps at times. I beleive this occurs with non-optimal water conditions for the plant. Most recently I repotted a plant that had these bumps and discovered it was severely root bound. Was that the cause, I don’t know, but the coincidence seems worth assessing as a cause.
Carmona retusa is also part of landscaping and nurseries. I have acquired a few pants in this way and got some very large plants for very good prices. Now, they weren’t existing in a bonsai state and 2 were shaped into a giant Christmas trees.
Carmona retusa specifics
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Carmona retusa
- Common Name: Fukien Tea, Philippine Tea Tree
- Family: Ehretiaceae
- Varietals:
- Habitat/Range: Tropical lowlands, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit: Shrub growing to about 4m in height with long stragely branches that are mostly thin.
- Leaves: Varied leaves both in size and often in shape. About 5cm long
- Flowers: Small white flowers almost 1cm
- Fruit/Seed:
- Stem/Bark:
- Growth: Fast
- Bonsai Notes
- Sun Exposure: Strong indirect light is an alternative as is partial sun avoiding the strongest afternoon sun
- Water Use: moderate water, high humidity leps
- Soil Mix: Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock, and humus
- Fertilizing: balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks during the active growing season (spring through autumn)
- Styling and Maintenance
- Pruning: Regular pruning is essential.
- Defoliation: Partial or full leaf pruning can be used to reduce leaf size, making the tree appear more proportional as a miniature.
- Wiring: Branches can be wired, but they are brittle and the plant grows quickly. The wire “bites” in during periods of fast growth.
Gallery images
Firstly, we are uploading pictures of our plants to show the parts of a plant that may help in identification. Secondly, we only have so many plants and my photography skills are not actually skillful. Finally, if it would help to see another angle or view, view us a message and we will attempt to get the right picture perspective.
