Taxodium distichum - Swamp Cypress General: The swamp cypress comes from the swamp forests of Florida and grows up to 30 meters here. In the Tertiary it was even widespread in Europe and is now often found in parks. The trunk tapers off very nicely and has a red-brown, cracked bark. The fresh green needles turn bronze-red in autumn and then fall off. The roots grow very vigorously and form knee-shaped outgrowths (breathing knees) on old trees in damp or flooded locations. These roots are filled with spongy tissue and probably serve for the exchange of oxygen.
Care as a bonsai: Swamp cypress are certainly designed as an upright form based on nature's example. The light green, pinnate leaves are a great contrast to the reddish brown, fibrous bark. The fine foliage also makes the plant very light in appearance. The new shoots should be cut back late or in autumn if you want to improve branching. Otherwise, the fresh shoots may be thrown off together with the leaves in autumn or dry back. Young branches can also be wired. Later, however, the wood becomes very hard and can at most be braced a little. Swamp cypress trees are tolerant of the location. However, the fine leaves are sensitive to high heat, and the soil shouldn't dry out either. In winter, the plant should be frost-free if possible, as the roots are sensitive to frost.
