Plant Tissue Culture PPT

We've almost all seen a bonsai plant of some description, but where did it all begin? Plants did not grow themselves in small trays and become gnarled and misshapen - so where did the phenomenon which is bonsai originate?

Bonsai originated more than 1000 years ago, and the practice has evolved to the practice we know today but with little change to the fundamental principles. It is believed that originally bonsai was known as Punsai - the practice of growing a single tree specimen in a pot. These Punsai had gnarled trunks and little foliage and became desired, evolving into the bonsai practice we see today.

Bonsai is believed to have evolved in China, although it also has rich traditional links in both Japan and Korea. There are two legends or theories of the origins of bonsai in China, the first being linked to royalty and the second attributing the beginnings of bonsai to a humble Chinese clerk.

Legend states that during the Han Dynasty in China one of the Emperors created a special courtyard which represented his entire realm - with everything represented in miniature. The Emperor was so proud of his garden that he decreed death to any person found emulating his miniature plants. The plants which were cultivated to represent part of the Dynastic holdings in the garden were kept forcibly small, and thus the Emperor is credited with the birth of bonsai. The other legend which has emerged surrounding bonsai acknowledges a humble Chinese clerk as the founder of growing miniature plants in clay pots. It is reported that upon retirement he took to the hobby of growing chrysanthemums in clay pots and that the idea quite literally took root.

The origins of bonsai are rich in legend; however the first officially recorded evidence of bonsai emerged when the tomb of Prince Zhang Huia was excavated. Prince Zhang Huai ruled China during the Tang Dynasty and when his tomb was uncovered several wall pictures were discovered depicting servants carrying plants potted as bonsai.

The art of bonsai spread to both Japan and Korea, both due to a Chinese influence. It is interesting to note that despite embellishing the art of Bonsai and adding their own cultural overlay to the concept both Korea and Japan still credit the beauty of bonsai and its origins to China.

Bonsai was introduced to Japan by the Zen Buddhist monks during the Heian period. The delicate art of bonsai did not remain in the monasteries; it very quickly became popular with the aristocracy. Because of the expense associated with growing bonsai it remained a symbol of status and wealth and the cultivation of bonsai were limited to those who could afford to keep the plants. Initially in Japan the bonsai was not heavily trimmed or pruned, it was primarily a symbol of status and left in a special place within the garden or indoors on a dedicated shelf. Used ornamentally these plants tended to look a little untamed and it was not until further Chinese influence after the Chinese invasion of Japan that the Japanese bonsai reflected more of the beauty and harmony exhibited by earlier Chinese bonsai.

Bonsai in Korea has a long and rich history. The bonsai is known as "Punjae" in Korea and was introduced by China during the first century. Bonsai became very popular during the Korean Lee Dynasty and the Korean culture even expanded on the concept of the bonsai planting to include miniature stones as decorative features to the planting trays.

China, Japan and Korea remained relatively closed to the Western world for a long time, but in the 19th century Japan opened its doors and began to let people learn more about their country - this included bonsai. The earliest formally recorded introduction of bonsai into the west was in 1889-1890 at an exhibition in Paris. The bonsai art forms displayed in France impressed westerners and the flurry of interest which followed brought increased popularity of bonsai cultivation.

During the 17th and 18th centuries bonsai popularity peaked, and the appearance of the bonsai tree became increasingly refined. There was additional emphasis on aesthetics of the bonsai plant - greater pruning, shaping and accentuating of the essential elements of the tree or plant emerged as an integral part of the bonsai art form. The concept of establishing a plant in miniature and learning about the link between harmony and nature became increasingly popular as the western world learnt more about the ancient practice known as bonsai.

With the popularity explosion came a shortage of traditional Bonsai trees and so began the development of different types of plants which could be substituted for use in growing a bonsai. Commercial development of bonsai plants began and horticulturists started to train different plants to replicate the appearance of the more traditionally used miniatures. This would save the new enthusiasts' time as they had a ready-made bonsai to plant and grow. Additionally those who wanted to grow a bonsai with the pre started plants did not have to immerse themselves in learning to grow and train a bonsai miniature from a seed, the initial stages had been completed for them by horticulturists skilled in the art of bonsai.

Bonsai is often misinterpreted as a type of plant or tree; however this is not actually the case. Bonsai is a method of growing a plant, whether it is a tree or flowering shrub. The word bonsai literally translates as tray planting and describes the method applied to the art - growing a plant in a small tray or pot.

The bonsai was primarily introduced to America by soldiers returning home at the end of the Second World War. Although the bonsai had been widespread in Europe for some time, it is generally accepted that this was the initial exposure of bonsai to the American population. Many of those bonsai initially brought home by servicemen died through lack of knowledge on how to care for a bonsai or diverse climate change, however the general population were interested and the popularity of bonsai continued to grow.

With the global phenomenon now in full swing, climate became an issue. Not all bonsai plants behaved in the same way in different climates and as such there were further developments in the cultivation of different Bonsai plants for different regions. Horticulturists, both Japanese and international worked together and individually to accommodate the new requirements so that everyone could participate in the art of bonsai. There were variations in the plants and trees, but also in their care. Traditional bonsai trees are Azaleas, Maples and Pines, but with the advancing techniques and different plants available almost any living plant can be suitable with appropriate care to become a bonsai.

Bonsai continues to be popular with many bonsai clubs and societies around the world. Books dedicated to educating growers on the history of bonsai and the care of the plants are legion and most enthusiasts will find a resource which suits their needs. The history of bonsai continues to evolve along with its popularity, however the basic cultural elements and influences from its Chinese origins remain the same. Whether bonsai began at the whim of an Emperor or was initiated by a humble clerk the miniatures have added peace and harmony to many lives and gardens and culturally enriched our world.

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