(We do not consider information from sites that only list "bonsai seeds"...)
For the arbitrary sake of simplicity and standardization, we have alphabetized all names listed within/under each classification without further concern for the
relatedness of the plants bearing those names.
NOTE: We have chosen not to be concerned here with listing out the various
clades, subfamilies, tribes,
subspecies; varieties (distinct forms, usually geographically separated), cultivars (cultivated varieties),
or hybrids (crosses between two or more species, usually shown as "Genus x species").
And we are aware that taxonomy is a dynamic
science, with genetic examination of plants sometimes tweaking where we think they fit in this man-made categorizing system. Most of the scientific
plant names herein come from The Plant List. There are a few names which this authorative source
has not yet definitely determined -- we have not specified those here. Other sources, beginning at the university-level, were then sought after for
clarification or assistance in decision-making in the case of some plant names.
The first edition of this list was published in September 2012 and comprised a single long page. The second edition, by early 2013, was split into
two long pages and included some <"cultivar counts"> for the most popular 20 species, some synonyms, and the start of noting if the bonsai version could have fruit or
flowers and color-changing leaves. Soon afterwards, the third edition was split into separate pages by division or subclass with some species noted as
being endangered, pioneer or invasive and a few genera or species marked as having toxic sap or other components. An index by plant family was added.
Starting in mid-March 2014, this fourth edition starts to include botantical name authorities. And each edition has had many more plants listed than previously.
So far we have chosen not to link pictures or additional information, plant zone
requirements, or relative degree of difficulty for these plants in containers. Linking pictures alone would add much to the size of most of these pages --
especially on the more popular species, how do we decide what are the "best" styles or most representative compositions as examples? (Baby steps...)
There are other characteristics we have started researching which will eventually be added into these lists.
Just know that these species have either mostly been made into a bonsai at one time or another, or else a few have been highly recommended for this art.
This listing is meant to include at least 95% of all plants employed as principle "trees" in the various magical miniature landscapes worldwide.
Please be mindful that not every cultivar of each of these species is suited for container life.
Initial listing of Family mycorrhizal types is from
Mycorrhizal Status of Plant Families and Genera
and Types of Mycorrhizal Plants (in process).
Genera that are different than the main Family have a * preceding the Genus mycorrhizal type.
Genera with alternative names the same as a different type from the Family's have, somewhat arbitrarily, been also assigned that different mycorrhizal type.
Genera without specific mycorrhizal types are assumed to share the Family's type. Families without a type are still being researched. More details are forthcoming.
Anyone who knows of additional species used as bonsai or updates/corrections to this listing is asked to please contact
rjb@magiminiland.org. Thank-you.