KARACHI: It is fascinating to see a tree in miniature form. The perfect version of a normal full-grown tree, this style, known as bonsai, is an art-form said to be more than 2,000 years old and has its origins in China. Practised in Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam for centuries, bonsai’s popularity through the years has spread to other parts of the world as well.

It was quite interesting to know that bonsai has so many fans here in the city. At a bonsai exhibition held at Zamzama Park on Wednesday, many bonsai lovers displayed their works of art for visitors. The exhibition was hosted by the Pakistan Bonsai Society, Defence Housing Authority, Pakistan Japan Cultural Association and Japan Cultural Centre.

Japanese Consul-General in Karachi Shoichi Nakano, the chief guest, said that bonsai is extremely popular in Japan, especially with the elderly as they have plenty of time to give to this very demanding hobby. He further added that as so many people were into growing these trees, a protest group had come into existence against bonsai because they felt the trees were not allowed to grow naturally and were being deformed by humans.

Major-General Tariq Wasim Ghazi, who has grown more than 200 bonsai trees, said that these trees are nurtured according to the rules of nature with the only difference being the size, and thus there is no cruelty involved in bonsai.

Another bonsai enthusiast, Aijaz Qazi, said that most of the trees in the Japanese style will have a tilting stance as if they are bowing, following the Japanese tradition of humility. Dr Jamshed Talati felt that a lot of patience and aesthetic sense was needed to grow these trees.

Most of the Bonsai Society members agreed that a bonsai is somewhat similar to raising a child because of the time, love and care put into the nurturing of these miniature trees.A Japanese word which literally means tree planting, bonsai has developed its form gradually to what it is today. The oldest known bonsai trees – ranging from 400-800 years – are located in a private garden in Tokyo. Requiring a lot of patience and time, this art of dwarfing trees thrives on regular leaf and root pruning and diligent care according to the prescribed techniques. The emphasis is on its looking as natural as possible.

Bonsai can be created from nearly any shrub or tree species. The selection of the right pot is almost an art itself and the pruning has to be done very skilfully, as otherwise it weakens or kills the plant. Frost, snow and lack of water also affect the shape of the tree.