a Bahama Berry grows in the frigid North

by Tom Martin
(south of Utica, NY - zone 4)

In June of 2005, when I was quite new to bonsai, and I was trying to form a local club in Utica, NY, I made a few purchases at a greenhouse in Scotia. One was a lucky find for me.

It was a little 'stick' in a 3 inch plastic pot with a tag marked "Bahama Berry". The plant intrigued me - nice branch formation, rough bark, tiny shiny leaves, and an interesting scent.

Fast forward 4 1/2 years. The club is doing well and so is my Bahama Berry, aka BaBe. It has grown into a very nice little bonsai. I keep it outdoors during the warmer months in a sheltered patio and in a bright South East window during Winter.

It seems to prefer the window to any artificial lighting that I've tried. In spite of the low light level this plant flowers profusely for months on end, then berries form. The scent is wonderful.

As a bonsai, the tree has yet to reach full maturity. Estimated age is 10-12 years, maybe less. It is in need of a hard pruning and artistic styling. I plan to take it to a Ted Matson workshop in Utica this June - sort of a 5th birthday Spa treatment.

While I do not grow many tropicals, I do love my sweet BaBe.