Pemphis acidula, or Bantigue, is a popular plant in the bonsai hobby. They are kept in smaller pots, have smallish leaves, and have interesting bark or deadzones.
This plant can produce things like walking canes. fence posts, and tool handles. It is a popular material and used quite a lot. Bantigue is the most popular bonsai plant in the Philippines. It is threatened in the Philippines.
Conservation status – Philippines = Threatened, Singapore = Critically Endangered
Wild Pemphis acidula illegal to use in business in the Philippines! Read below.
The collection of, selling, and transort of wild Pemphis acidula is illegal. I am hopeful that any plants you see are farm grown, propagated, and still legal. While many hunters stipulate they acquire permits, I myself am concerned that wild harvesting may still take place. I do not wish to be a part of any illegal activity. Definitely not anything that damages the environment or plants. I am very happy to say that I have NOT acquired any Pemphis acidula from the wild or from hunters.
Buyer beware! Threatened plants seized! 300 tons of threatened plants seized.
Now, this is a plant that I would hope to Propagate. Stop the illegal harvesting of wild Bantigue!
All if my Bantigue came from previous collectors. I don’t beleive any are from the wild. I will now contact others in the Government to be sure I am doing the right things.
Pemphis acidula specifics
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Pemphis acidula
- Common Name: Bantigue, tigs, bantigs, mentigi
- Family: Lythraceae
- Varietals:
- Habitat/Range: Tropical Indo-Pacific
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit: Bush or tree growing in Mangroves, rocky shorelines, and costs. Up to 10m in height
- Leaves: Opposite short stalked silvery-green leaves
- Flowers: White or pale pink flowers, solitary or in clusters
- Fruit/Seed: Dry fruit, capsule
- Stem/Bark: Rough texture, irregular shapes
- Growth: Moderate
- Bonsai Notes
- Sun Exposure: Full sun 6-8 hours daily. This plant can stand the afternoon sun.
- Water Use: Consistent moderate water, salt spray.
- Soil Mix: Limestone (anapog), Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock
- Fertilizing: balanced fertilizer every 2–4 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 year-round, but monitor the wire closely may scar if 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.
