Zanthoxylum spec.

Zanthoxylum spec. - Chinese Pepper

General:
The chinese pepper includes several types that are native to China. The plants are evergreen, usually grow shrub-like and are grown for their fruits. The seed resembles a peppercorn and is a popular spice, especially in China.

Care as a bonsai:
The chinese pepper is particularly suitable as a bonsai. The plant has bright green, shiny leaves, slightly thorny shoots and a white-yellow bark that is deeply furrowed with age. In spring it blooms yellowish and then develops small peppercorn-like fruits. The chinese pepper absolutely needs a light and warm location. In addition, the plant must be sufficiently watered and fertilized. In winter the need for water and nutrients is lower, but the soil shouldn't dry out either. The chinese pepper does not tolerate waterlogging or frost.