KARACHI, Aug 31: Showcasing more than 100 miniature trees, a three-day bonsai exhibition on Friday got under way at Zamzama Park.

The annual exhibition has been organised by the Pakistan Bonsai Society.

Though the show on its first day didn’t seem as well organised as it was a year ago, it held attraction for those looking for flora harmony and tranquillity.

The indigenous and exotic species on display included manila tamarind (jungle jalebi), bougainvillea, casuarina (a coastal plant), carmona (a flowering plant commonly used in bonsai because of its ability to develop thick trunk), catha (a rare Chinese plant species) and many varieties of ficus (a genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes and hemiepiphytes). Some of these species were grown with the help of grafting techniques.

A few eye-catching exhibits included a 19-year-old bougainvillea, clerodendrum, a flowering species in triple-trunk and broom styles and a miniature Chinese lemon citrus bearing fruits. There were also ficus longisland and ficus green island aesthetically grown in pots.

“One of the keys to have a good bonsai is to use a plant with very small leaves as it gives an effect of a tree. For instance, the carmona’s beauty is in its small, shining leaves rather than its small off-white flowers, though usually women find its flowers more attractive,” said Dr Saeed Faiyaz Khan, member of the Pakistan Bonsai Society’s executive committee.

While talking about the measures required for the care of bonsai plants, he touched upon application of pruning and root-cutting techniques according to plant needs and use of special fertiliser. “They need extra care also because they are more vulnerable to pest attacks, most common of which is mealy bug that can kill a plant within two months if left without treatment,” he explained.

Sharing his experience with an exotic species, he said he and his friend found Chinese Ulmus difficult to grow in Karachi.

“All our 23 plants, which we had bought for Rs2,000 to Rs3,000 each, died. I think the species didn’t like re-potting. But we can’t do without it in bonsai,” he said, adding that the species was in high demand these days and being sold for Rs100,000 at some nurseries.

He said the growth of plants in pots was 20 times slower than in soil. For bonsai, people often chose plants that were initially grown in the soil to get a thick trunk, he added.

Regarding his society’s activities, Dr Khan said it had a nominal membership fee and organised workshops on bonsai techniques free of cost.

The exhibition will be open from 4pm to 9pm.