Welcome to the A to Z of Bonsai.
We are compiling a worldwide A to Z of Bonsai database. The A to Z is written collaboratively by the people who use it and we would like to encourage anyone reading this page to contribute to what has become the worlds greatest encyclopedia of bonsai terms. Entries when they are made will be added to an editable list which will be checked prior to publication. Photos and images of the bonsai term can be added and links made to relevant web pages.
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DAVID J SAMPSON - Offers a premier selection of fine Japanese SUISEKI and associated items for sale.
Contact via website only.
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| Thanks to - David J Sampson for use of the image |
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SABAKAN - Hollowed or rotten trunk.
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MIKI>SABAMIKI - As its western naME of "SPLIT TRUNK Style" suggests, this style reflects the position in nature where the trunk has split in two due to action by lightning or by heavy branches peeling away and taking a section of the trunk with them.
The style is typically bare in part and rugged in appearance. It should look like it has "been through the wars." The example shown is an escalonia grown by Peter Thorne of the Ayr BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI Group.
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SABI - Often used together with the term "WABI" both of which terms relate to the Japanese sense of shibui, the aesthetic tastefulness and austerity in art and moveMEnt. Sabi is the sense of beauty that comes with great age and which is acheived by nature, not by man.
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EDA>EDA>SACHI EDA - Primary branch which establishes the direction and moveMEnt of the tree. See also ICHI NO EDA and UKE EDA and SAN NO EDA.
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EDA>EDA>SAGARI EDA - Branches (called "sagari eda") growing straight down should be removed from your BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI tree, unless of course your a growing a cascade style tree.
See Branch PRUNING.
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| Thanks to - cutebonsai.com for use of the image |
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Sageretia (Sageretia TheeZAns) - Notable feature is its patchy, peeling (Plane tree type) BARK. Its slender branches support small, shiny, EVERGREEN LEAVES and white FLOWERS which develop into blue berries.
STYLE : Suited to all styles.
WARNING : High HUMIDITY essential. Site above or near (not on) water.
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| Thanks to - Wikipedia for use of the image |
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SAIKEI - Saikei is a landscape in a tray/container forMEd by a grouping of trees together with a selection of plants, rocks, moss and sand to form a landscaped scene. This style is said to have been created by Toshio Kawamoto inspired by miniature gardens of ancient origin.
Also sometimes referred to in the West as a "composition".
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BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAISOCIETY>SALISBURY BONSAI SOCIETY - The Society was founded in August 1987 by two local bonsai enthusiasts, Rita Molland and Valerie Casey.
MEets on the first Monday of the month at Laverstock Village Hall Duck Lane at 7.45pm.
Contact is by email at m5eay.geoff@btinternet.com
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SAMON YOSE (SAMBON YOSE) - GROUP PLANTING with three trees
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EDA>EDA>SAN NO EDA - Japanese term for third branch of a BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI tree.
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SANKAN - Denotes a "3 trunks on the saME tree" triple trunk style.
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SAPWOOD - Also known as XYLEM. This section of the trunk sits between the HEARTWOOD and the CAMBIUM. Its function is to transport water and nutrients upwards through the outer ANNUAL RINGs. Sugars are transported downward via the inner BARK (known as the PHLOEM).
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MIKI>SARAMIKI - Style where the trunk is stripped of its BARK like a dead tree. (See : Sharamiki).
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BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI>SARUYAMA BONSAI - Professional bonsai and SUISEKI from Peter Warren. Educated by well known Japanese bonsai master Kunio Kobayashi.
Saruyama Bonsai provides a fully comprehensive and professional bonsai service from first styling to regular maintenance. SoME limited sales items but main content relates to display and advice site than a dealer or club.
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SATINWOOD TREE (MURRAYA PANICULATA) - See JASMINE ORANGE (MURRAYA PANICULATA)
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Satsuki AZAlea (Rhododendron Indicum) - Satsuki is the Japanese word for fifth moon or May. In BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI most usually applied to Azaleas because of their tendency to flower for about a month in May.
Azaleas are MEmbers of the Rhododendron family, and are generally thought of as small varieties of that family. However many miniature Rhododendrons have been classified so this does not hold true.
Azaleas and rhododendrons are the same plant, both ERICACEOUS (lime-hating), with thousands of CULTIVARs. They are noted for the wide VARIETY and vibrancy of colours of FLOWERS which bloom mostly on "garden" specimens in mid-spring. Most popular for bonsai are the SATSUKI AZALEAs which are distinguished by often having multiple different coloured blooms on the same tree.
STYLE : Best in all sizes and all styles, except broom.
WARNING : Some fertilizers can be slightly ALKALINE so ensure truly ERICACEOUS FERTILIZER only is used.
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Satsuki AZAlea Society - No disecernable info available, although it did exist at one stage the old web address does not appear to work.
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SATSUKI DATABASE - A web site from the Netherlands dedicated to Rhododendron Satsuki AZAleas.
One section of the site deals with hundreds of naMEd varieties of Satsuki Azaleas with a description and photograph which can be added to by anyone.
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| Thanks to - SBA Image GAllery for use of the image |
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SAW - FOLDING - Used for CUTTING>CUTTING branches which are too thick for concave or KNOB CUTTERS.
The blade usually has 16 teeth to the inch and saws on the pull stroke. The blade folds into the handle when not in use.
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| Thanks to - Kaizen Bonsai for use of the image |
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SCALE INSECT - These are a group of tiny sap-sucking insects which look like hard white, yellow, red or brown blisters on LEAVES and stems.
They attach themselves via a fluffy, sticky white mass. Removal using a cotton BUD>BUD soaked in MEthylated spirits is effective for small infestations but for larger quantities application of a INSECTICIDE>SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDE is the best solution.
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| Thanks to - Wikipedia for use of the image |
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SCION - A shoot which is GRAFT>GRAFTed onto another plant.
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SCISSORS - LONG HANDLED - Known in Japan as KoEDA>EDA Kiri Hasami. Used for light branch and twig PRUNING, the long handles enabling access to inner branches.
Scissors used for BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI differ from normal scissors in that both blades are sharp i.e. like two knives, which when they CROSS one another cut from both directions rather than one CUTTING>CUTTING edge and a flat edge which could crush plant material.
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| Thanks to - Kaizen Bonsai for use of the image |
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CUTTING>CUTTING>SCISSORS - ROOT CUTTING - Known in Japan as Hasami. Heavy duty scissors designed for cutting of tree ROOTS when REPOTTING.
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SCOTS PINE (PINUS SYLVESTRIS) - Considered to be Scotlands national tree and one of our INDIGENOUS TREES (SCOTLAND). In Britain grows wild mainly in Scotland but is the most widely distributed CONIFER in the world. An EVERGREEN coniferous tree. Widely indigenous aCROSS western Europe and into Asia. A two NEEDLEd pine greatly underrated as a BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI.
STYLE : Suitable for most styles, except broom, but particularly good for literati.
WARNING : Do not confuse mycorrhiZAl funghi for ROOT APHIDs when REPOTTING. The Scots Pine and MYCORRHIZAl funghi have a symbiotic relationship which benefits both organismisms. Prevent ROOT ROT by protecting from prolonged rain
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| Thanks to - Scottish Bonsai Association for use of the image |
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BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAIASSOCIATION(SBA)>SCOTTISH BONSAI ASSOCIATION (SBA) - The umbrella organisation for many of the local bonsai clubs in Scotland. Goals are to teach and encourage interest in the ART OF BONSAI and to support the NATIONAL BONSAI COLLECTION OF SCOTLAND. Also sponsors the National Exhibition , held annually, which in 2016 will be held in Bannockburn near Stirling.
President: Jeff Banning
Vice President: Mike
Secretary: Dave Waddinton
Treasurer: Ina Morris 0131 3331525
The MEmber clubs of the SBA can be viewed by clicking the More Info button below
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BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAICOLLECTION>SCOTTISH NATIONAL BONSAI COLLECTION - The Scottish National Bonsai Collection is a charitable tRUST housed at BINNY PLANTS Ecclesmachan, West Lothian.
The collection is housed in a display area of the garden centre and is free to view for MEmbers of the public. More information regarding the collection can be seen by clicking the web link.
Contact : roymars1@live.co.uk
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SEAWEED EXTRACT - Seaweed extract, is claiMEd to be good for improving the soil, although there are differing opinions on its benefits.
The attached guide from Kaizen BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI gives a balanced view, concluding that, using seaweed products alongside a good fertiliser regime can improve results and lead to healthier bonsai.
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SEKIJOJU - Tree style where ROOTS are grown over the top of a rock into the soil beneath. See “root over rock” style BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI.
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SEMI-CASCADE POT - Designed for semi cascade and can be any SHAPE (square, round, hexagonal) but tend to be rather "squat" in style.
This picture shows an attractive example from the site of British BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI.
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EVERGREEN>SEMI-EVERGREEN - A tree which keeps its LEAVES in a mild winter but loses soME or all of its foliage in a hard one.
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SENSAI - This word is generally used to show respect to soMEone who has acheived a certain level of mastery in an art form (or some other area) such as novelists and musicians. It is also used for BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI masters who have attained a high level of skill.
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SEQUESTERED IRON - Sequestered iron supplies the necessary iron in a form plants can use to correct iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency results in pale yellow LEAVES, poor growth and is the main reason why rhododendrons, heathers and other liME haters cannot be grown well on chalky or ALKALINE soils. The iron comes in several forms, often mixed with other beneficial ingredients such as SEAWEED EXTRACT and magnesium.
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SEQUESTRENE - Brand of product delivering SEQUESTERED IRON. Sequestered iron supplies the necessary iron in a form plants can use to correct iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency results in pale yellow LEAVES, poor growth and is the main reason why rhododendrons, heathers and other liME haters cannot be grown well on chalky or ALKALINE soils. The iron comes in several forms, often mixed with other beneficial ingredients such as SEAWEED EXTRACT and magnesium.
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SERAMIS - Clay Granules. Made from pure clay mined in Germany, Seramis is a high quality growing MEdium suitable for use in drip re-circulating hydroponic systems and passive hydroculture.
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SERRATE (LEAF) - Describes a leaf margin which is evenly toothed like a saw.
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SESSILE - Without a stalk or PETIOLE>PETIOLE
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SHADY PLANTS - A family run specialist fern nursery, situated in the fern rich area of the Blackwater valley in Co. Waterford.
They claim to have a large selection of HARDY>HARDY ferns for sale, probably the widest selection of garden ferns to buy online in Europe. We also have a good range of ferns suitable for the house, conservatory or Terrarium, now in their separate section.
Contact via web site
Address is:
Mike Keep
Shady Plants Fern Nursery
Coolbooa
Clashmore
Co. Waterford
Rep. of Ireland.
Tel: 00353- 86 0542171
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| Thanks to - Shady Plants Fern Nursery for use of the image |
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SHAKAN - See “slanting” style BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI
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JING>SHAN SHUI PENJING - Chinese term describing a Chinese art form including landscape with rocks, water and soMEtimes plants in its imagry. Term also used in painting.
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| Thanks to - Wikipedia for use of the image |
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SHAPE - What shape should a BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI be? Well any really and there are a number of bonsai styles that emulate trees in real life. The size and style allow bonsai trees to be categorised for show purposes so many will fall into one of the show categories.
What if I am just starting and don't really want to show my bonsai trees (except to friends etc). Well as a rule of thumb many first tiME bonsai trees are purchased for one of a large chain of stores or maybe even from a flower show and most of them come in one style - informal upright. It is therefore a good idea to follow the style the tree already follows.
Click the More button.
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| Thanks to - SBA Image Gallery for use of the image |
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SHARI - A shari is an area of DEADWOOD which extends down the trunk of a tree.
It is created by tearing away BARK from a JIN and continuing this down the trunk. The area is then treated with liME sulphur to whiten and preserve the deadwood which has been exposed.
See also - NEJIKAN.
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SHARIMIKI>SHARIMIKI - A portion of the trunk of a BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI which has had the BARK removed and the exposed wood has been textured and bleached to emulate weather-torn trees in exposed mountain sites.
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SHIDARI - Also terMEd ZUKURI in the East and WEEPING Style in the West. Similar to style in nature of the weeping willow.
Bottom branches should be bigger than the top, as in other styles, and will weep less than top branches. SHOOTS should be trained early to produce the "fishing pole" curve effect. In this case the curve can be achieved using weights as opposed to wire.
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| Thanks to - British Bonsai for use of the image |
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GRAFT>GRAFT>SHIELD GRAFT - Also known as "BUD>BUDGRAFT>BUD GRAFT". In this process the BARK of the tree where the graft is to be applied should be first well-soaked with water and a "T" cut should be made through to the CAMBIUM in the location where the new branch is required.
With shield/bud grafting, instead of a SCION, just a small piece of bark with a well-forMEd heel is cut from the scion and inserted inside the "T" of the stock. This heel is the DORMANTBUD>DORMANT BUD lying at the join between the trunk and the leaf AXIL. The wound bound with RAFFIA and coated with wax.
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SHIKIKAN - Tree with seven trunks
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SHIMA ISHI - Stone placed in a water filled tray.
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SHIN (TEN) - Japanese term describing the APEX of the tree. See also "ten"
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SHITO - Tree size sub-CLASSIFICATION in the "Miniature" BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI range, MEasuring 5-10 cms. Also referred to in Japan as "Fingertip size" i.e. can be held in the fingertips.
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| Thanks to - SBA image gallery for use of the image |
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SHOHAKU - Japanese term for CONIFERs and EVERGREENs such as pine and juniper
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SHOHIN (SIZE) - This MEdium sizing CLASSIFICATION for BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI is pronounced "sho-hin" and is between 15-30 cms (6-12 inches) in height.
Being larger than MAME , the shohin tree can usually incorporate more detail into the design. Generally the measurement is taken as the longest line of the tree. So in upright trees it is from the rim of the pot to the APEX of the tree. For cascades it would be the apex to the tip. Generally, the proportion rather more critical than the exact size.
Shohin tree shown is a Musk Maple, courtesy of WATTSTON BONSAI.
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| Thanks to - Wattston Bonsai for use of the image |
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SHOHIN EUROPE - Shohin blog by Morten Albeck , Danish BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI artist.
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| Thanks to - Shohin Europe for use of the image |
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SHOOTS - Shoots are new plant growth which develop into stems and branches which becoME leaf, and possibly, flower bearing.
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SIEVE - Basically the saME as the familiar garden sieve but for BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI it is often sold with interchangeable sieve screens in order to effectively sort the GROWING MEDIUM by size.
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| Thanks to - Green Dragon for use of the image |
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SINUATE (LEAF) - Describes a leaf with a strongly waved or undulating margin e.g. oak leaf.
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SLUGS AND SNAILS - These attack the ROOTS, SHOOTS and LEAVES of the plant and can do a lot of damage in a very short tiME.
They do most damage at night or when it is wet, so ensure that any dead leaves or other hiding places are cleared away. They can be picked off if visible but otherwise the use of a pellet type slug bait near the pot is likely to be the most effective deterrent.
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SMALL ERMINE MOTH - Signs of infestation are webs wrapped around the foliage, silken threads between LEAVES and possibly a visible cocoon on the tree. SoMEtimes the caterpillar may be seen on the undersides of leaves.
Recommended treatment is to cut away infected branches or, before the damage becomes really serious, apply tar oil. Also, halfway through spring, when the CATERPILLARS shed their skins, an application of organophosphate contact INSECTICIDE may be applied.
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| Thanks to - Wikipedia for use of the image |
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SNAG - A section of stem left above a BUD>BUD when PRUNING.
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SNS YAMADORI - SNS Yamadori are specialists in individual quality raw material.
Contact -
Tel: 07779 169312 or 01934 514243
Email: nath8onions@hotmail.com
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SOIL SCOOP - Small scoops available in plastic or (more expensive) stainless steel, used during REPOTTING to MEasure out and apply manageable quantities of soil.
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SOJU - GROUP PLANTING of two trees. In all multiple-trunk styles, conventional BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI speciMEns use trees of the same SPECIES.
As with the twin-trunk style, the two-tree style has a dominant, larger tree and a smaller one. The two trees may be set very close to one another, as in the twin-trunk style. They may also be set apart, as they do not share a single root.
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SOKAN - Tree with two trunks emanating from the base. See “twin trunk” style of BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI
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SOUTHERN BEECH - See NOTHOFAGUS
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SPATULA - A spatula is used for tamping soil around the base of BONSAI>BONSAI>BONSAI. It is often at the opposite end of a bonsai RAKE or bonsai TWEEZERS.
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| Thanks to - Ryuga for use of the image |
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SPATULATE(LEAF)>SPATULATE (LEAF) - ELONGATED spoon SHAPEd leaf with stem at the narrow end.
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| Thanks to - Wikipedia for use of the image |
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SHAPED(LEAF)>SPEAR SHAPED (LEAF) -
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| Thanks to - Wikipedia for use of the image |
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