Bonsai Styles: An Artistic Journey - Kabudachi Style: The Multi-Trunk Bonsai

Kabudachi Style: The Multi-Trunk Bonsai

Definition and Origins

The Kabudachi style, also known as the "multi-trunk style" or "clump style," represents a group of trees sharing the same root base. This style evokes the image of a miniature forest or a group of trees growing naturally very close to each other.

Distinctive Characteristics

1. Several Trunks Sharing a Common Base: The Kabudachi style is characterized by several trunks emerging from a common root or a very close base in the soil. These trunks can vary in size and height, adding to the visual diversity.
2. Harmony and Balance: Although each trunk is individual, together they form a harmonious composition. The balance between the trunks is essential for a natural look.
3. Densely Branched Foliage: Each trunk carries its own foliage, creating a dense and unified canopy. The foliage is often trimmed to maintain the proportional scale of the miniature forest.
4. Variation in Height and Diameter: The trunks differ in height and thickness, with a main trunk usually taller and thicker than the others.
5. Wide and Shallow Pot: The Kabudachi style is typically presented in a wide and shallow pot, to accommodate the multiple trunks and to enhance the group aspect.

Species Selection

Species suited to the Kabudachi style are those that can naturally produce multiple trunks or can be trained to develop them. Maples, junipers, and elms are often used for this style.

Maintenance and Cultivation Techniques

• Pruning and Pinching: These techniques are important for maintaining the shape of each trunk and for encouraging dense and uniform branching.
• Repotting and Substrate: A well-draining substrate is crucial, as is regular repotting to ensure the health of the common roots.
• Watering and Fertilization: Special attention must be given to watering and fertilization, given the presence of several trunks sharing the same resources.

Conclusion

The Kabudachi style offers a captivating vision of nature in miniature, symbolizing coexistence and interdependence. This style is particularly appreciated for its ability to recreate the ambiance of a forest or grove, offering a complex and harmonious natural scene.