Broussonetia luzonica may not be a common plant in the hobby at present. The pictures I am presenting below may actually be dagat instead of himbabao. Time will tell which species I have.
I have comapred the leaves to those of the other three plants I have that I believe are dagat. Variances between the plants exist especially when viewing the bark of the primary trunk. The other plants demonstrate what appears to be a cinnamon like peeling of the bark. On this plant I do not see such peeling. It is possible te plant in question sis still dagat but yet not mature enough to show the curled cinnamon peeling of the bark.
While I am not sure today, I will keep monitoring the plant to see what the characteristics are when more mature.
Broussonetia luzonica specifics
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Broussonaetia luzonica
- Common Name: Himbabao, Alukon
- Family: Moraceae
- Varietals:
- Habitat/Range: Tropical lowlands, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit: Medium-sized Tree
- Leaves: High light seems to keep leaf sizes smaller
- Flowers: Male hanging spiklets, long and drooping
- Fruit/Seed:
- Stem/Bark: Rough, naturally textured and greyish
- Growth: Fast Growing
- Bonsai Notes
- Sun Exposure: Full sun 4-6 hours daily, or partial shade.
- Water Use: Consistent moderate water, damp soil, but well draining
- Soil Mix: Limestone (anapog), Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock
- Fertilizing: balanced fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during the active growing season (spring through autumn). Reduce or stop feeding during the dormant period or after a heavy repotting.
- Styling and Maintenance
- Pruning: Regular pruning is essentia.
- 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 year-round, but monitor the wire closely may scar if the wire “bites” in during periods of fast growth.
- Propagation: Easily propagated through air layering or cuttings.
Gallery images
First, we are uploading pictures of our plants to show the parts of a plant that may help in identification. Second, 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.
