Natural growth:
Every woody plant has a genetically determined growth habit. When allowed to develop freely in nature, it develops a typical shape. For example, a red spruce usually has a trunk that is continuous to the tip and a uniform, conical crown with evenly spaced branches. An oak, on the other hand, typically develops a short trunk and a broad and arching crown with irregular branches.
Shaped by the weather:
However, depending on the location and weather conditions, this growth form is also influenced and changed. Strong winds, winter snow loads, avalanches, floods and the like can significantly affect the appearance and character of a tree. In the Alpine region, for example, one also finds spruces with twisted trunks and an irregular crown, as well as oaks that have developed very long and straight trunks in a group.
Nature as a model:
Based on the growth forms that occur in nature, various basic forms have also been defined for bonsai in Japan. After all, ancient tree veterans and bizarrely grown survival artists are unique individuals that serve as models for their miniature edition as bonsai.
Chokkan – formal upright
The strong trunk tapers evenly, is continuous to the tip and as straight as possible. The branches are evenly spaced and the crown shape is conical.
Moyogi - informal upright
The trunk has a more or less strong movement and is continuous. The crown structure is harmonious, balanced and the base of the trunk and the top of the tree are in a perpendicular position.
Hokidachi - broom shape
The trunk is strong and absolutely straight. At a certain height, the branches spread evenly, forming an umbrella-like crown. The root base is particularly pronounced.
Kengai – Cascade
The trunk slopes downward over the pot edge and the top of the tree or part of the crown is lower than the pot base. The trunk may have more or less movement.
Han-Kengai – Semi-Cascade
The moving trunk projects laterally beyond the pot and has a slight downward movement. The top of the tree or the crown of the tree is not lower than the bottom of the pot.
Shakan – slanting style
Root base and top of the tree are not in perpendicular. The inclined trunk is more or less moved. The crown and root base on the side opposite to the slope, should be as pronounced as possible to create a counterbalance.
Sokan - twin trunk
Two trunks have the same root base and form a common crown. One trunk is stronger, taller and gives the shape of the smaller, thinner trunk (Three trunks = Sankan).
Kabudachi - multiple trunk
More than three trunks grow from the same root system, form a common crown and are shaped in the same style. The number of stems should be odd and different in strength and height. If the trunks arise from a high arching root plate, it is called "Korabuki“ (turtle shell).
Yose-ue - Forest
Several trees are planted together harmoniously in a group to form a single unit. The plants differ in age, height and trunk diameter. The number of individuals should be odd.
Bunjingi - literati form
The long more or less moving trunk tapers continuously and is relatively thin. The crown is loosely structured and is only in the upper third of the design.
Fukinagashi - windswept form
The main direction of movement is the same for all branches. The stem inclination often corresponds to the direction of movement of the branches. The root base is particularly pronounced. The branches on the downwind side run straight and parallel to the surface. Branches on the side facing the wind are strongly bent, removed or designed jin. If the trunk is straight, it should be correspondingly strong.
Ikadabuki – raft
The main trunk lies on the earth's surface and connects at least five vertical more or less strongly shaped trunks. The trunks are irregularly distributed, of different heights and form a harmonious unit.
Ishitsuki - rock planting
The plant grows on the rock and the roots do not reach the ground. The plant can be larger but also smaller than the rock. Several and different plants can also be planted on one rock.
Seki-joju - root over rock
The roots grow on, around or over a rock until they reach the ground. They harmoniously follow the structure of the stone and clasp it tightly and completely.
Neagari – exposed roots
The roots of the plant protrude more or less from the earth. The roots, trunk and crown can be shaped differently. In some cases, the trunk is also formed entirely from the roots, and a semi-cascade design is common.
