Tristaniopsis decortica is sometimes available and sold as Malabayabas. I have been fortunate to acquire a couple of plants over the last year and I do appreciate the small leaves on the plant. I haven’t had them long enough to really see them begin to grow out, but I think by this time next year I will be able to figure out a shape I am hoping for in those plants. Again, buyng from someone else’s collection may be a realistic way to acquire the plant without going into the wild populations. Based on what I am reading and the plant I have. I would say that my plant is NOT Tristaniopsis decorticata, it must be another plant completely.
Since this plany is in need of conservation, I hope people will refrain from getting this from the wild. Maybe from nurseries or farms would be an option but I am not sure how oftern they can be found from conservation approved sources. Propagation from cuttings seems an option as well. Since it can be propagated I am going to dedicate space to this beautiful tree. Maybe I can grwo some trees and they can go back to the wild or even in city and provincial plantings. Of course, I would provide them to the bonsai hobby as well if people will refrain from getting them out of the wild.
Slow growth and small leaves make it suitable for informal upright or exposed-root styles.
Conservation status – Philippines = Threatened
Tristaniopsis decorticata specifics
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Tristaniopsis decorticata.
- Common Name: Malabayabas, Tiga Pula, Philippine teak, Little Red
- Family: Myrtaceae
- Varietals:
- Habitat/Range: Philippines
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit: Evergreen Tree growing to 20m
- Leaves: Small glossy green leaves
- Flowers:
- Fruit/Seed:
- Stem/Bark: peeling reddish-oranga bark.
- Growth: Slow
- Bonsai Notes
- Sun Exposure: Full sun 4-6 hours daily t o rbing out its bark and keep the leaves small.
- Water Use: moderate water
- Soil Mix: Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock
- Fertilizing: balanced fertilizer every 4 weeks during the active growing season (spring through autumn).
- Styling and Maintenance
- Pruning: Regular pruning is essentia.
- Defoliation:
- 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
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, send us a message and we will attempt to get the right picture perspective.
