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Bonsai terminology
Some common (and not so common) bonsai and general horticultural terms (and slang).
For a more complete list of Japanese Bonsai terminology: Japanese Term Glossary
ABCISSION LAYER
The layer of cork which forms at the bas of the petiole on deciduous trees in the autumn. This creates a seal,
preventing the flow of nutrients, cause the leaves to fall.
ACID
Describes a pH of less than 7.0. While most trees will do well in slightly acidic soil, some trees, such as the field
maple and beech, will do better in alkaline conditions. Some trees require a acidic soil to survive, such as azaleas.
ADVENTITIOUS BUD
A bud that occurs in an unusual place on a tree. New growth on the trunk or between existing branches; appears
when branch ends are pruned back; the degree success of forced budding depends on the variety of tree.
AIR-LAYERING
A technique used to create an individual tree out of a branch or trunk of the original tree (the parent tree).
Stimulating the branch or trunk to root by cutting a ring out of the bark and covering with a rooting material like wet
sphaghnum moss.
AKADAMA
Type of soil from Japan used for bonsai; highly porous with excellent moisture retention and allows air circulation.
ALKALINE
Describes a pH of more than 7.0, or considered rich in lime. Most trees will grow in alkaline conditions, but some
cannot survive in it, like azaleas. Overly alkaline soil can be corrected using commercial soil acidifiers.
ALTERNATE
Refers to leaves which appear singly, first on one side of the shoot, then the other.
APEX
The highest point of the tree. Technically, the tip of any shoot or tree from which extension growth takes place. In
bonsai it is dictated by aesthetic considerations and is not necessarily the focus of the tree's energy.
APICAL DOMINANCE
The phenomenon whereby the main central stem of the plant is dominant over (i.e., grows more strongly than) other
side stems, and on a branch, the main stem of the branch is further dominant over its own side branchlets.
AUXIN
A plant hormone. The most important is IAA, which has roles in phototropism, apical dominance, fruiting and rooting
AXIL
The angle between the leaf and the shoot which will contain at least one bud.
BACKBUDDING
Process by which growth is pruned to induce new growth further back along the branch or trunk.
BARK
Protective outer layer covering the trunk and branches. It consists of living, corky cells on the inside- generated by
the cambium each year- and dead cells on the outside.
BASAL
Describes a tree where new growth comes from the base of the plant, rather than the top or sides.
BLEEDING
An excess loss of sap from new wounds. Frequently a plant's natural protection from infection.
BRANCH SHELF
Branch extending from the trunk with subsequent ramification to form a pad.
BROAD-LEAVED
A group of trees that belonging to the angiosperm family (flowering plants which have seeds enclosed in an ovary).
The majority are deciduous and need a period of dormancy starting in autumn.
BROOM
Usually a straight, vertical trunk, the main branches originate from close to the top of the trunk to (as the name
suggests) create a broom like effect.
BUD
Organ or shoot that contains an embryonic branch, leaf or flower.
BUDBREAK
Point at which a bud has opened enough to show a green tip.
BUDBURST
Point at which new leaves appear.
BUDCUTTING
A bud with a small piece of bark attached, used for propagation.
BUD EXTENSION
The point before budbreak where the tiny buds that have been on the branch since the previous year begin to swell
and extend.
BUTTRESSING
Where the base of the tree flares outwards giving the feeling of age and solidity. Also known as root-flare.
CALCIFUGE
A plant that cannot tolerate alkaline soil (ex. Azalea)
CALLUS
Tissue that forms over a wound on a branch or trunk as part of the healing process. A repeated separation of cells,
which multiply to form a cover over a cut or wound; an inborn healing or meristem process.
CAMBIUM
Green growth tissue, it is the layer of tissue between the xylem and phloem, responsible to laying new bark on the
outside, and new wood on the inside. The cambium also forms new roots on cuttings, new buds, and grafts. Also
called the pith.
CANDLE
The extending bud of a pine before the new needles open.
CANOPY
The foliage bearing upper and outer reaches of the tree.
CASCADE
Branches and trunk extend below the bottom of the pot.
CHLOROPHYLL
The naturally occurring green substance in a plant that gives the leaves its green colour. It converts carbon dioxide
from the air, and water from the soil into sugars for the plant to use, utilizing sunlight as a catalyst (photosynthesis).
CHLOROSIS
Loss of chlorophyll and leaf colour as a result of mineral deficiency, such as iron or magnesium.
CHOP
Describes the heavy pruning and reduction in height of the trunk of a tree.
CLIP AND GROW
Method of pruning to influence the direction and nature of a tree's growth. Also called the Lingnan method.
COLD FRAME
A structure made to protect trees against the cold, specifically below freezing temperatures. Usually with a
transparent window on top to allow light in.
COLLAR
Describes the swelling at the point of union between the trunk and a branch.
COMMON NAME
The common name a plant is known by. These are often very imprecise and sometimes misleading names.
COMPOUND
Describes a leaf which is made up of multiple leaflets attached to a central rib.
CONE
Fruit of a conifer.
CONIFEROUS/CONIFERS
Conifers belong to the group of naked-seeded plants known as gymnosperms. Their seeds are not enclosed in an
ovary like the angiosperms. Conifers usually have leaves which are needle-shaped or scale-like. With few exceptions
they are evergreen.
COTYLEDON
The first leaves to emerge from a seed. Usually thick and fleshy, these are unlike the true leaves of the plant.
CROWN
Upper part of the tree, formed by the branches and upper trunk.
CULTIVAR
Any named variety of plant with characteristics distinct from the species.
CUTICLE
Waxy coating on a leaf that reduces moisture loss and offered protection.
CUTTING
A method of propagation; branch, leaf or roots placed in suitable soil to encourage rooting to become a self
supporting tree. A relatively simple and fast propagating method; unlike starting from seed the cutting will maintain
the characteristic of the parent tree.
DESSICATION
Lack of water.
DECIDUOUS
A tree that sheds its leaves each year in autumn.
DEFOLIATION
The process of partly or completely removing the leaves of a tree after the first leaves have hardened to induce a
crop of smaller leaves and increased ramification.
DIEBACK
Death of growth beginning at tip from disease or injury.
DIOECIOUS
Plants with distinct male and female sexes, requiring one representative of each to set fruit or viable seed.
DORMANT
1. The resting period during autumn and winter when the tree puts out little or no growth. Necessary for trees
naturally from a temperate climate (ex. Junipers, Pines, Maples, etc)
2. A bud which did not produce growth during the season it formed, but still retains the ability to grow in the future.
DRAINAGE
The ability of soil to allow water to pass through without becoming over saturated.
EPICORMIC
Refers to grow emerging from dormant buds.
ERICACEOUS
Term used to refer to acid loving, lime-hating plants. Ex. Azaleas
ETIOLATE
Loss of colour due to deficient light. Also the over-lengthening of growing shoots on a plant for the same reason.
EVERGREEN
A plant that remains in leaf all year. Evergreens will shed their old leaves at certain times of the year as they are
replaced by new growth.
EXPOSED ROOT
Often found in nature growing near water, or flooding rivers, these bonsai have thick, exposed roots due to styling
intervention. Also called Negari.
FORMAL UPRIGHT
Bonsai form characterized by a perfectly straight trunk that rises vertically from the soil.
FERTILIZER
A substance that supplies nutrients to a plant, usually containing some combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium (potash).
FLUSH
A surge of new growth.
FORCING
Accelerating the growth or development of a plant by artificially changing its growing conditions. Often used to
force flowering in off seasons in flowering bonsai.
FUNGICIDE
A chemical used to combat the growth of fungus.
GALL
An abnormal growth on a root, stem or leaf, caused by microscopic insects.
GENUS
The name given to a group of plants that have a common feature- the first part of a plants Latin name, always
capitalized. Pinus mugo.
GERMINATION
The process by which a seed leaves the dormant state and issues roots and shoots.
GIRTH
The circumference of a tree.
GRAFTING
Joining a growing root system of one plant (called the “stock”) with a cutting (known as the “scion”) of the plant you
desire. With a successful graft, the scion becomes a new plant supported by the root system of the stock.
GROUND-LAYERING
Formation of roots on a branch by bending the branch to below soil level, eventually separating the branch from the
main tree.
HABIT
Natural shape or growth pattern of a plant
HALF-HARDY
A plant that can tolerate cold, but not below freezing temperatures.
HARDENING
A bud grows, becoming a branch, and hardens or lignifies; also may apply to maturing leaves.
HARDY
Describes a plant that will survive normal winter weather and below freezing temperatures (usually with protection)
outside. *Require* winter dormancy.
HEEL
Refers to a small tag of bark from the original branch or trunk at the base of a cutting.
HUMUS
Partially decayed organic matter present in the soil.
INDOOR BONSAI
Tropical or sub tropical trees that are kept indoors for the colder parts of the year in temperate climates. These trees
still benefit from living outdoors during the summer months. Examples include ficus and serissa.
INFORMAL UPRIGHT
A relaxed formal upright; trunk still rises vertically from the soil, but may display a slight curve or a bit of a slant.
The tree’s apex is in a direct line over the base.
INTERNODE
Section of growth between two nodes (leaves or leaf-joints).
JIN
When the bark is stripped off of a branch to create a dead branch or snag. Though jin can occur naturally on some
older, collected material, it is more frequently created or refined on bonsai to evoke the impression of great age or
hardship.
JUVENILE
Referes to growth produced during stages of rapid growth (often in spring), which is distinct from adult foliage.
LATERAL
Describes a shoot emerging from a bud on a main stem, growing toward the side rather than central.
LAYERING
Propagation method, including ground and air layering. Used to induce root growth, can also be used to correct poor
nebari on existing trees.
LEACHING
The process of nutrients being washed out of the soil by the passage of water.
LEADER
The dominant shoot.
LENTICEL
A pore on a shoot or stem of a tree.
LIFE LINE
Refers to the live portion of the trunk, Jin and Shari refers to the dead portion.
LIME
Calcium as a soil additive to make the soil more alkaline.
LIME SULPHUR
Used for protecting the jin and shari. Commonly used in agriculture as a control for insects and mites; diluted
properly it can be applied with a spray gun or painted on the affected area with a brush as a wintering application.
LITERATI
Bunjin. A bonsai form with an often infuriating lack of specific guidelines. Literati are often tall, slender trunked with
sparse, irregular branches that occur primarily in the upper third of the trunk. Often including jin and shari, Literati
trees ought to evoke a harsh growth pattern or unforgiving elements.
MALLSAI
“Mall Bonsai” Often poor specimens with incorrect care sheets.
MAME
Japanese word for the smallest bonsai, less than six inches in height.
MICRO-CLIMATE
Local climatic conditions in the immediate vicinity of the trees that are different from the general area climate.
MICRO-NUTRIENTS
Nutrients which are needed in tiny quantities by plants, but are still necessary for growth. Manganese, magnesium,
iron, zinc, etc.
MYCORHIZZAE
Beneficial fungi that develop in the soil in association with roots of higher plants.
NEBARI
Japanese word for the surface roots of a bonsai.
NODE
Growth point on a branch or trunk from which leaves, leaf buds and shoots will grow.
OPPOSITE
The arrangement of leaves in pairs on either side of a shoot.
ORGANIC
Any chemical compound containing carbon. In horticulture, it refers to any compound of growing medium which is
not manufactured or synthetic.
OUTDOOR BONSAI
Most trees from temperate climates and cooler. They need a period of dormancy to survive, and will die if kept
indoors all year round. Examples include pines, junipers and maples.
OVERPOTTING
Planting a bonsai in a bonsai container that is larger than necessary to maintain it, usually done deliberately to
provide room for future root development.
PARTHENOGENESIS
A method of asexual reproduction.
PETIOLE
The stalk of a lead.
pH
A unit of measuring the acid/alkaline balance.
PHEONIX GRAFT
Sapling is attached to deadwood to create the illusion of an older tree. Also known as “tanuki.”
PHLOEM
The innermost layer of bark, concerned primarily with the transportation of sugars created through photosynthesis
from the leaves to other areas of the plant.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
The process with which a plant manufactures sugars by utilizing light and chlorophyll to combine carbon dioxide and
water.
PHOTOTROPISM
The process where a plant seems to "lean" toward a light source. Actually caused by an increased production of the
hormone, auxin, on the dark side of the plant, which increases the growth on that side only, bending the stalk and
making the plant appear to "bend" toward the light.
PINCHING
The removal (or pinching back) of new growth to increase ramification and control the direction of growth.
PINNATE
A leaf which consists of many smaller leaflets, located on opposite sides of a divided stalk.
POTENSAI
"Potential bonsai". Collected or purchased material that shows promise, but it not yet a bonsai.
PRUNING
Removing branches to alter the shape or structure of your bonsai.
RAFT
The illusion of several trees growing from a horizontal trunk planted in the ground. Each “tree” is actually a single
branch.
RAMIFICATION
The repeated division of branches into secondary and tertiary branches, primarily due to a combination of pruning
and defoliation techniques to simulate a mature tree.
RESPIRATION
The absorption of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide during the day, and the reverse at night.
ROOTBOUND
Also "Pot bound", where the roots have grown to completely fill the container, often resulting in the deterioration of
the tree over long term.
ROOT HAIRS
Single cell projections from the root, for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.
ROOTING HORMONE
A liquid or powder available to promote root growth. Used especially in propagation by cuttings.
ROOT PRUNING
Cutting of roots during repotting. Necessary for restricting the growth of trees and for good nebari.
SACRIFICE BRANCH
Branch left to grow wild for the purpose of overall tree growth, sometimes to strengthen an area, thicken the trunk
or another branch.
SCION
In grafting, the cutting of the plant you wish to graft to the understock.
SEALANT
A paste applied on pruning wounds to keep out infection and promote healing.
SEMI-CASCADE
Branches and trunk dip below the top of the pot, but not below the bottom of the pot as in a full cascade.
SHARI
Deadwood on the trunk of a bonsai.
SLANTING
Trunk angles coming out of the soil, frequently in a 30-45 degree from vertical slant.
SPECIES
The subdivision of Genus; the second name in Latin nomenclature. Always lowercase. Pinus mugo.
STOCK
General: a stock plant, the raw material that will eventually be a bonsai. Or in regards to grafting techniques, the
growing root system the scion will be grafted on to. Also called understock.
STOMATA
The breathing pores on the leaves. Intake location for water vapor and air, and disposal of excess oxygen and
moisture.
STRATIFICATION
Overwintering of seeds either outdoors or by artificial means (refrigerator) to break the dormancy and induce
germination.
SUCKER
A new shoot arising from the base or root of an established tree.
SUIBAN
Shallow tray with no drainage holes that is commonly filled with either gravel or water and can house rock plantings.
TAP ROOT
The main downward growing, water seeking root of a plant. Usually removed in bonsai.
TAPER
A large trunk base that narrows as it extends to the crown.
TENDER
Refers to a plant that cannot tolerate cold temperatures.
TERMINAL
The upper shoot, flower, or bud.
TRANSPIRATION
The continual passage of water vapour through pores on leaves and stems.
URO
A carved (or natural) deadwood hollow, often seen on deciduous trees.
VIABILITY
The capacity of seeds to germinate.
WHORL
An arrangement of branches, leaves or flowers in a form like the spokes of a wheel.
WINDSWEPT
Bonsai that evoke trees that have grown in areas of constant winds. The trunk is often angled, and the branches all
grow in the same direction.
WIRING
Utilizing copper or aluminum wire to redirect existing growth.
XYLEM
Area below cambium in the trunk. Comprised primarily of dead cells, its function is to transport water from the roots
to the rest of the tree.
YAMADORI
Trees collected from the wild for the use as bonsai. Originally used to describe wild trees collected from
mountainous regions.
Some common (and not so common) bonsai and general horticultural terms (and slang).
For a more complete list of Japanese Bonsai terminology: Japanese Term Glossary
ABCISSION LAYER
The layer of cork which forms at the bas of the petiole on deciduous trees in the autumn. This creates a seal,
preventing the flow of nutrients, cause the leaves to fall.
ACID
Describes a pH of less than 7.0. While most trees will do well in slightly acidic soil, some trees, such as the field
maple and beech, will do better in alkaline conditions. Some trees require a acidic soil to survive, such as azaleas.
ADVENTITIOUS BUD
A bud that occurs in an unusual place on a tree. New growth on the trunk or between existing branches; appears
when branch ends are pruned back; the degree success of forced budding depends on the variety of tree.
AIR-LAYERING
A technique used to create an individual tree out of a branch or trunk of the original tree (the parent tree).
Stimulating the branch or trunk to root by cutting a ring out of the bark and covering with a rooting material like wet
sphaghnum moss.
AKADAMA
Type of soil from Japan used for bonsai; highly porous with excellent moisture retention and allows air circulation.
ALKALINE
Describes a pH of more than 7.0, or considered rich in lime. Most trees will grow in alkaline conditions, but some
cannot survive in it, like azaleas. Overly alkaline soil can be corrected using commercial soil acidifiers.
ALTERNATE
Refers to leaves which appear singly, first on one side of the shoot, then the other.
APEX
The highest point of the tree. Technically, the tip of any shoot or tree from which extension growth takes place. In
bonsai it is dictated by aesthetic considerations and is not necessarily the focus of the tree's energy.
APICAL DOMINANCE
The phenomenon whereby the main central stem of the plant is dominant over (i.e., grows more strongly than) other
side stems, and on a branch, the main stem of the branch is further dominant over its own side branchlets.
AUXIN
A plant hormone. The most important is IAA, which has roles in phototropism, apical dominance, fruiting and rooting
AXIL
The angle between the leaf and the shoot which will contain at least one bud.
BACKBUDDING
Process by which growth is pruned to induce new growth further back along the branch or trunk.
BARK
Protective outer layer covering the trunk and branches. It consists of living, corky cells on the inside- generated by
the cambium each year- and dead cells on the outside.
BASAL
Describes a tree where new growth comes from the base of the plant, rather than the top or sides.
BLEEDING
An excess loss of sap from new wounds. Frequently a plant's natural protection from infection.
BRANCH SHELF
Branch extending from the trunk with subsequent ramification to form a pad.
BROAD-LEAVED
A group of trees that belonging to the angiosperm family (flowering plants which have seeds enclosed in an ovary).
The majority are deciduous and need a period of dormancy starting in autumn.
BROOM
Usually a straight, vertical trunk, the main branches originate from close to the top of the trunk to (as the name
suggests) create a broom like effect.
BUD
Organ or shoot that contains an embryonic branch, leaf or flower.
BUDBREAK
Point at which a bud has opened enough to show a green tip.
BUDBURST
Point at which new leaves appear.
BUDCUTTING
A bud with a small piece of bark attached, used for propagation.
BUD EXTENSION
The point before budbreak where the tiny buds that have been on the branch since the previous year begin to swell
and extend.
BUTTRESSING
Where the base of the tree flares outwards giving the feeling of age and solidity. Also known as root-flare.
CALCIFUGE
A plant that cannot tolerate alkaline soil (ex. Azalea)
CALLUS
Tissue that forms over a wound on a branch or trunk as part of the healing process. A repeated separation of cells,
which multiply to form a cover over a cut or wound; an inborn healing or meristem process.
CAMBIUM
Green growth tissue, it is the layer of tissue between the xylem and phloem, responsible to laying new bark on the
outside, and new wood on the inside. The cambium also forms new roots on cuttings, new buds, and grafts. Also
called the pith.
CANDLE
The extending bud of a pine before the new needles open.
CANOPY
The foliage bearing upper and outer reaches of the tree.
CASCADE
Branches and trunk extend below the bottom of the pot.
CHLOROPHYLL
The naturally occurring green substance in a plant that gives the leaves its green colour. It converts carbon dioxide
from the air, and water from the soil into sugars for the plant to use, utilizing sunlight as a catalyst (photosynthesis).
CHLOROSIS
Loss of chlorophyll and leaf colour as a result of mineral deficiency, such as iron or magnesium.
CHOP
Describes the heavy pruning and reduction in height of the trunk of a tree.
CLIP AND GROW
Method of pruning to influence the direction and nature of a tree's growth. Also called the Lingnan method.
COLD FRAME
A structure made to protect trees against the cold, specifically below freezing temperatures. Usually with a
transparent window on top to allow light in.
COLLAR
Describes the swelling at the point of union between the trunk and a branch.
COMMON NAME
The common name a plant is known by. These are often very imprecise and sometimes misleading names.
COMPOUND
Describes a leaf which is made up of multiple leaflets attached to a central rib.
CONE
Fruit of a conifer.
CONIFEROUS/CONIFERS
Conifers belong to the group of naked-seeded plants known as gymnosperms. Their seeds are not enclosed in an
ovary like the angiosperms. Conifers usually have leaves which are needle-shaped or scale-like. With few exceptions
they are evergreen.
COTYLEDON
The first leaves to emerge from a seed. Usually thick and fleshy, these are unlike the true leaves of the plant.
CROWN
Upper part of the tree, formed by the branches and upper trunk.
CULTIVAR
Any named variety of plant with characteristics distinct from the species.
CUTICLE
Waxy coating on a leaf that reduces moisture loss and offered protection.
CUTTING
A method of propagation; branch, leaf or roots placed in suitable soil to encourage rooting to become a self
supporting tree. A relatively simple and fast propagating method; unlike starting from seed the cutting will maintain
the characteristic of the parent tree.
DESSICATION
Lack of water.
DECIDUOUS
A tree that sheds its leaves each year in autumn.
DEFOLIATION
The process of partly or completely removing the leaves of a tree after the first leaves have hardened to induce a
crop of smaller leaves and increased ramification.
DIEBACK
Death of growth beginning at tip from disease or injury.
DIOECIOUS
Plants with distinct male and female sexes, requiring one representative of each to set fruit or viable seed.
DORMANT
1. The resting period during autumn and winter when the tree puts out little or no growth. Necessary for trees
naturally from a temperate climate (ex. Junipers, Pines, Maples, etc)
2. A bud which did not produce growth during the season it formed, but still retains the ability to grow in the future.
DRAINAGE
The ability of soil to allow water to pass through without becoming over saturated.
EPICORMIC
Refers to grow emerging from dormant buds.
ERICACEOUS
Term used to refer to acid loving, lime-hating plants. Ex. Azaleas
ETIOLATE
Loss of colour due to deficient light. Also the over-lengthening of growing shoots on a plant for the same reason.
EVERGREEN
A plant that remains in leaf all year. Evergreens will shed their old leaves at certain times of the year as they are
replaced by new growth.
EXPOSED ROOT
Often found in nature growing near water, or flooding rivers, these bonsai have thick, exposed roots due to styling
intervention. Also called Negari.
FORMAL UPRIGHT
Bonsai form characterized by a perfectly straight trunk that rises vertically from the soil.
FERTILIZER
A substance that supplies nutrients to a plant, usually containing some combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium (potash).
FLUSH
A surge of new growth.
FORCING
Accelerating the growth or development of a plant by artificially changing its growing conditions. Often used to
force flowering in off seasons in flowering bonsai.
FUNGICIDE
A chemical used to combat the growth of fungus.
GALL
An abnormal growth on a root, stem or leaf, caused by microscopic insects.
GENUS
The name given to a group of plants that have a common feature- the first part of a plants Latin name, always
capitalized. Pinus mugo.
GERMINATION
The process by which a seed leaves the dormant state and issues roots and shoots.
GIRTH
The circumference of a tree.
GRAFTING
Joining a growing root system of one plant (called the “stock”) with a cutting (known as the “scion”) of the plant you
desire. With a successful graft, the scion becomes a new plant supported by the root system of the stock.
GROUND-LAYERING
Formation of roots on a branch by bending the branch to below soil level, eventually separating the branch from the
main tree.
HABIT
Natural shape or growth pattern of a plant
HALF-HARDY
A plant that can tolerate cold, but not below freezing temperatures.
HARDENING
A bud grows, becoming a branch, and hardens or lignifies; also may apply to maturing leaves.
HARDY
Describes a plant that will survive normal winter weather and below freezing temperatures (usually with protection)
outside. *Require* winter dormancy.
HEEL
Refers to a small tag of bark from the original branch or trunk at the base of a cutting.
HUMUS
Partially decayed organic matter present in the soil.
INDOOR BONSAI
Tropical or sub tropical trees that are kept indoors for the colder parts of the year in temperate climates. These trees
still benefit from living outdoors during the summer months. Examples include ficus and serissa.
INFORMAL UPRIGHT
A relaxed formal upright; trunk still rises vertically from the soil, but may display a slight curve or a bit of a slant.
The tree’s apex is in a direct line over the base.
INTERNODE
Section of growth between two nodes (leaves or leaf-joints).
JIN
When the bark is stripped off of a branch to create a dead branch or snag. Though jin can occur naturally on some
older, collected material, it is more frequently created or refined on bonsai to evoke the impression of great age or
hardship.
JUVENILE
Referes to growth produced during stages of rapid growth (often in spring), which is distinct from adult foliage.
LATERAL
Describes a shoot emerging from a bud on a main stem, growing toward the side rather than central.
LAYERING
Propagation method, including ground and air layering. Used to induce root growth, can also be used to correct poor
nebari on existing trees.
LEACHING
The process of nutrients being washed out of the soil by the passage of water.
LEADER
The dominant shoot.
LENTICEL
A pore on a shoot or stem of a tree.
LIFE LINE
Refers to the live portion of the trunk, Jin and Shari refers to the dead portion.
LIME
Calcium as a soil additive to make the soil more alkaline.
LIME SULPHUR
Used for protecting the jin and shari. Commonly used in agriculture as a control for insects and mites; diluted
properly it can be applied with a spray gun or painted on the affected area with a brush as a wintering application.
LITERATI
Bunjin. A bonsai form with an often infuriating lack of specific guidelines. Literati are often tall, slender trunked with
sparse, irregular branches that occur primarily in the upper third of the trunk. Often including jin and shari, Literati
trees ought to evoke a harsh growth pattern or unforgiving elements.
MALLSAI
“Mall Bonsai” Often poor specimens with incorrect care sheets.
MAME
Japanese word for the smallest bonsai, less than six inches in height.
MICRO-CLIMATE
Local climatic conditions in the immediate vicinity of the trees that are different from the general area climate.
MICRO-NUTRIENTS
Nutrients which are needed in tiny quantities by plants, but are still necessary for growth. Manganese, magnesium,
iron, zinc, etc.
MYCORHIZZAE
Beneficial fungi that develop in the soil in association with roots of higher plants.
NEBARI
Japanese word for the surface roots of a bonsai.
NODE
Growth point on a branch or trunk from which leaves, leaf buds and shoots will grow.
OPPOSITE
The arrangement of leaves in pairs on either side of a shoot.
ORGANIC
Any chemical compound containing carbon. In horticulture, it refers to any compound of growing medium which is
not manufactured or synthetic.
OUTDOOR BONSAI
Most trees from temperate climates and cooler. They need a period of dormancy to survive, and will die if kept
indoors all year round. Examples include pines, junipers and maples.
OVERPOTTING
Planting a bonsai in a bonsai container that is larger than necessary to maintain it, usually done deliberately to
provide room for future root development.
PARTHENOGENESIS
A method of asexual reproduction.
PETIOLE
The stalk of a lead.
pH
A unit of measuring the acid/alkaline balance.
PHEONIX GRAFT
Sapling is attached to deadwood to create the illusion of an older tree. Also known as “tanuki.”
PHLOEM
The innermost layer of bark, concerned primarily with the transportation of sugars created through photosynthesis
from the leaves to other areas of the plant.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
The process with which a plant manufactures sugars by utilizing light and chlorophyll to combine carbon dioxide and
water.
PHOTOTROPISM
The process where a plant seems to "lean" toward a light source. Actually caused by an increased production of the
hormone, auxin, on the dark side of the plant, which increases the growth on that side only, bending the stalk and
making the plant appear to "bend" toward the light.
PINCHING
The removal (or pinching back) of new growth to increase ramification and control the direction of growth.
PINNATE
A leaf which consists of many smaller leaflets, located on opposite sides of a divided stalk.
POTENSAI
"Potential bonsai". Collected or purchased material that shows promise, but it not yet a bonsai.
PRUNING
Removing branches to alter the shape or structure of your bonsai.
RAFT
The illusion of several trees growing from a horizontal trunk planted in the ground. Each “tree” is actually a single
branch.
RAMIFICATION
The repeated division of branches into secondary and tertiary branches, primarily due to a combination of pruning
and defoliation techniques to simulate a mature tree.
RESPIRATION
The absorption of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide during the day, and the reverse at night.
ROOTBOUND
Also "Pot bound", where the roots have grown to completely fill the container, often resulting in the deterioration of
the tree over long term.
ROOT HAIRS
Single cell projections from the root, for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.
ROOTING HORMONE
A liquid or powder available to promote root growth. Used especially in propagation by cuttings.
ROOT PRUNING
Cutting of roots during repotting. Necessary for restricting the growth of trees and for good nebari.
SACRIFICE BRANCH
Branch left to grow wild for the purpose of overall tree growth, sometimes to strengthen an area, thicken the trunk
or another branch.
SCION
In grafting, the cutting of the plant you wish to graft to the understock.
SEALANT
A paste applied on pruning wounds to keep out infection and promote healing.
SEMI-CASCADE
Branches and trunk dip below the top of the pot, but not below the bottom of the pot as in a full cascade.
SHARI
Deadwood on the trunk of a bonsai.
SLANTING
Trunk angles coming out of the soil, frequently in a 30-45 degree from vertical slant.
SPECIES
The subdivision of Genus; the second name in Latin nomenclature. Always lowercase. Pinus mugo.
STOCK
General: a stock plant, the raw material that will eventually be a bonsai. Or in regards to grafting techniques, the
growing root system the scion will be grafted on to. Also called understock.
STOMATA
The breathing pores on the leaves. Intake location for water vapor and air, and disposal of excess oxygen and
moisture.
STRATIFICATION
Overwintering of seeds either outdoors or by artificial means (refrigerator) to break the dormancy and induce
germination.
SUCKER
A new shoot arising from the base or root of an established tree.
SUIBAN
Shallow tray with no drainage holes that is commonly filled with either gravel or water and can house rock plantings.
TAP ROOT
The main downward growing, water seeking root of a plant. Usually removed in bonsai.
TAPER
A large trunk base that narrows as it extends to the crown.
TENDER
Refers to a plant that cannot tolerate cold temperatures.
TERMINAL
The upper shoot, flower, or bud.
TRANSPIRATION
The continual passage of water vapour through pores on leaves and stems.
URO
A carved (or natural) deadwood hollow, often seen on deciduous trees.
VIABILITY
The capacity of seeds to germinate.
WHORL
An arrangement of branches, leaves or flowers in a form like the spokes of a wheel.
WINDSWEPT
Bonsai that evoke trees that have grown in areas of constant winds. The trunk is often angled, and the branches all
grow in the same direction.
WIRING
Utilizing copper or aluminum wire to redirect existing growth.
XYLEM
Area below cambium in the trunk. Comprised primarily of dead cells, its function is to transport water from the roots
to the rest of the tree.
YAMADORI
Trees collected from the wild for the use as bonsai. Originally used to describe wild trees collected from
mountainous regions.