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Brazilian Rain Tree - Pithecellobium tortum |
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| Common Name: |
Brazilian Rain Tree |
| Scientific Name: |
Pithecellobium tortum |
| Hardiness Zone: |
10 through 11 |
| Family: |
Leguminosae (Fabaceae in the USA) |
General Information
The Brazilian Rain Tree is native to South America, more specifically Brazil. It is a tree that can grow to over 15 feet tall, and spread over 18 feet in diameter. This species’ history as bonsai in the United States can be traced to the late Jim Moody of Jupiter Bonsai located on the East coast of Florida. His sister in law sent him seeds she collected while in Brasilia, Brazil. He planted the seeds and was lucky enough to have 5 germinate. Not knowing then what he had the tree was originally misidentified as Samanea saman. Later the tree was correctly identified as Pithecellobium tortum. Jim grew the first of his raintrees for 7 years in a small cascade bonsai pot styling it as an informal upright and getting to know the species. This specimen went on to become nationally recognized through Bonsai Today magazine and a book titled ‘Great American Bonsai’. The tree to this point had been solely trained by directional pruning; no wiring was used in the styling process. The unique features of this species such as the twisted trunk, exfoliating bark, and delicate compound leaves made it an ideal candidate for bonsai. Jim Moody began growing these trees from cuttings taken from his original tree. Today numerous nurseries and websites offer Brazilian Rain Trees for sale. Many of the ones in this country are descendants of Jim’s original tree.
Basic Care
| Bark Characteristics: |
As the raintree ages, the trunk flattens and becomes fluted giving the tree a "muscular" look. As the tree matures, pieces of the outer bark peel off in thin layers leaving a nearly white color. |
| Leaf/Foliage Characteristics: |
Compound leaves that close at night or when stressed. |
| Growth Characteristics |
The trunk, which begins fairly cylindrical as a young tree, will begin to contort and twist as it matures. Allen Carver, grandson of Jim Moody and current owner of Jupiter Bonsai, points out that the tree will ‘twist’ at the points branches exit the trunk. In a mature tree these ‘twists’ create a unique taper. The bark will also begin to exfoliate as it matures. Thorns growing on the trunk and primary branches may be removed and will not grow back in the same location. Raintrees may be grown as indoor bonsai if adequate lighting is provided. |
| Flower/Fruit Characteristics: |
"Raintrees produce a powder puff type flower, white in color, then turns yellow." |
| Lighting: |
The Brazilian raintree prefers full sun, all though in the summer months in Florida, the leaves can show signs of stress from too much sun. When this occurs, it is best to give the tree only morning sun or shade during the hottest part of the day. |
| Watering: |
Water discriminately. Brazilian raintrees are suseptible to root rot, so use a well draining soil. Do not let the soil dry out completely. Check soil for dampness prior to watering. In Florida, Raintrees are watered everyday during the summer. |
| Feeding: |
The tree is a heavy feeder. Using a balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 weekly during the growing season. |
| Pruning/Wiring: |
The new growth is very flexible when green and responds well to wiring. When trimming branches, cut back to just above a node to prevent die-back of the branch. Trees may be heavily pruned and will break back well with new growth on older branches. |
| Propagation: |
Air layers and cuttings work best. |
| Potting: |
Trees may be heavily pruned and will break back well with new growth on older branches. Repotting is best carried out during the warm summer months. You may prune roots extensively, however remember to balance this with pruning of the foliage and then keep the tree in a shady location for 7 to 10 days. Raintrees prefer a well-draining soil; use a well balanced fertilizer year-round for optimal growth. |
| Pests: |
Nematodes, if grown indoors, look for common greenhouse pests. |
| Diseases: |
None noted. |
| Bibliography: |
Erik Wigert, Brazilian Raintree, Chloroleucon tortum, 2007, Wigerts Bonsai, North Ft. Myers, FL 33917(www.wigertsbonsai.com). Today |
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