KARACHI, Oct 29 Around 100 miniature trees aesthetically grown in pots and containers were put on display at the annual bonsai exhibition that opened in Zamzama Park on Friday.

The exhibition, which will continue for three days under the auspices of the Pakistan Bonsai Society in collaboration with the arts council, showcased a variety of indigenous plant species including bougainvillea, manila tamarind (jungle jalebi), tamarind (imlee), sacred fig (peepal), casuarina (a pine variety normally found in the coastal areas) and acacia karroo (kikar).

Some bonsai experts have also experimented with carmona (a flowering plant) and Chinese Ulmus, both exotic species.

A remarkable exhibit was of manila tamarind plants grown in a group that gave the look of a jungle. Then, there were the tiny 'mame bonsai' trees which required space as little as a hand palm.

Although there was no formal opening of the exhibition as such, a number of people visited the exhibition on its first day.

Speaking to Dawn, president of the Pakistan Bonsai Society Dr (Capt) Saeed Faiyaz Khan said that most exhibits were created with the help of indigenous plants and their prices ranged between Rs25,000 and Rs150,000, depending upon their age and the hard work put in by cultivators.

About the aesthetics of bonsai, Dr Khan said that the plants with small leaves were generally used for art. “Age also matters. Although it is usually difficult to know the exact age of a plant, the one with thicker branches and roots and shorter length are preferred. Exposed roots are also considered a quality of the bonsai plants.”

He said bonsai — a Japanese art form using miniature trees grown in containers — was not an expensive hobby but it was physically demanding. “It's a continuous exercise since the plant never stops growing. You can never say that the plant has acquired a perfect form and one has to maintain its shape and style. Besides, regular watering and pruning, bonsai plants are also required to be transferred to a different pot at a certain time. Specific fertilizers, which are easily available in the market, are used.”

Usually the fruit and flowers of a bonsai plant were not retained because it weakened the plant, he added.

Tracing the history of the society, Dr Khan said that the exhibition had been regularly organised in Karachi since 1998 when the society was established. “Starting off with a small group of individuals, the society now has 100 members in Karachi alone and is in the process of opening its chapters in Lahore, Islamabad, Multan and Gujranwala.”

About the striking features of mame bonsai, G.R. Sheikh, an engineer by profession, said that the plants were very sensitive and required special care. “The plant can die with little neglect. Unlike other bonsai trees, they have a few roots which can easily dry up if not watered on time. All plants that are used to make bonsai could be used for this technique,” he said.He advised people interested in growing bonsai plants to use species of the Ficus genus, which were handy and easy to cultivate.