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Dwarfed Coconut Tree, an Art Object
Dwarfed Coconut Tree, an Art Object Teodorico Magda teodoricomagda@yahoo.com
Aside from the valuable oil, cocomilk, cocowater, vinegar, fuelwood, etc., coconut tree is now being made into an art object. Artists in the Philippines have been turning coconut palms into potted landscape or tray scenery called saikei in Japanese. The work of art features dwarfed coconut trees or groove that falls under the forest-style bonsai.
For this type of landscape in pot, artists use stunted coconut seedlings. In large shallow container, artists plant some 3 to 5 pieces of seedlings. The container is then filled with ¼ fine gravel and topped with ¼ sandy loam soil. Sphagnum moss is used as an initial ground cover to retain soil moisture in the container. The work of art is placed in a partially shaded area for two to three weeks. Afterward, this saikei is exposed in a full-sunlit area. For final change, fine beach sand is spread on the surface with a piece or two of driftwood or rock.
Published: August 05, 2007
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