The Big Banyan a.k.a Big B

This tree happens to be one among my personal favourites. The thick trunck, the spreading branches and the graceful aging of the tree never fails to fascinate me. Watching it is absolute poetry. I often imagine I am a little person resting in the shade of this immense tree.

This tree has been grown in the Hokidachi style.

Aerial Prop roots

Notice the Aerial Prop roots that have climbed down to support this miniature tree. These aerial roots are the characteristic of older trees such as Banyan.
This tree exhibits a forest - like effect with it's heavy folliage and aerial roots.

The antique

This tree's trunck seems to emerge from within a spiraling root system. This tree never fails to light up conversations at parties, and is often the topic of conversation. It's barks exhibit weathering and age.

Shakan Bonsai

Slant-style, or Shakan, bonsai possess straight trunks like those of bonsai grown in the formal upright style. However, the slant style trunk emerges from the soil at an angle, and the apex of the bonsai will be located to the left or right of the root base.

The Nebari on a Formal Upright Ficus

Nebari is the visible spread of roots above the growing medium at the base of a bonsai. One can't fail to notice the imposing twists in the root system on it's base.

Slanted or Shakan style

Notice the thick fleshy branch of the Desert Rose / Mock Azalea and the well developed roots. The shrub has been grown in a slanted style. If one observes carefully, one can also see a miniature desert rose flower on one of it's branches on the left.

Branched Upright style

One has to notice the mossy base of the tree, that gives an impression of a tree growing in a tropical forest.

Informal upright style or Moyogi style

Informal upright style, incorporate visible curves, but the apex of the informal upright is always located directly above the trunk's entry into the soil line. Basically, there is a loop in it's line of growth.

One can see the well developed and visible roots of the tree.

The Upright or chokkan style

The handsome ficus shown here stands upright. The placing of the tree is onto one end of the pot, and a branch shoots out for aesthetic balance, to overcome the effect of the visually overbearing bot.

Semi cascade or Han Kengai style

The tree seems to have established a firm footing on the ground and a youthful energy in it's limbs. The tree has, quite obviously, endured a passing torrent, and now the roots stand bare in testimony of the flood, and it's plumage represent endurance.
Semi cascade style, photo taken indoors.

Twisted trunk style

This picture was taken on our terrace in the evening. This tree seems have taken three full spirals, before taking off on a 45 degree tangent. This tree potrays a confusing past in its spiralling trunck, and upon realization, a steady rise to success with it's bright green folliage.

Broom or Hokidachi style

Here I am showcasing the "Broom" Style where one can notice that the branches are spread out over a hemispherical area. The first picture was taken in our living room.