As a Royal Bonsai Species
Goyomatsu is a pine tree that grows naturally in the mountains of southern Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu at elevations of about 500 to 2500 meters above sea level.
It is alpine in nature and grows naturally in cooler areas. However, it is more tolerant of heat and cold than Black Pine and Western Pine, and can grow in dry areas, so it naturally grows on steep rocky slopes and cliffs.
It is a sunny tree with relatively high photosynthesis, but as a young tree it can tolerate a little shade and grows well in slightly fertile soil with adequate moisture. It is often used for bonsai because of its slow growth, flexible wood and easy bending of the branches.
Bonsai with Historical Value
The "Sandaishogun" is a five-leaf pine that is considered to be one of the best of the best, and there is even a historical piece that is said to have been treasured by Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa Shogun.
It is a large bonsai with a stable form, a strong trunk, and a balance with the pot that is full of history and nature. It is an exceptional bonsai full of ancient color and is truly a masterpiece among masterpieces.
Popular as a Garden Tree
When planted in the ground, the trees are usually about 7 meters tall, but the larger ones can grow up to 20 meters. The soft trunk and branches and short leaves are attractive, and the pine needles are distinctive. It is named the "Goyomatsu(Five-leafed Pine)" because it has a cluster of five pine needles, each 2-6 centimeters long.
A Tree of Good Fortune
The word "Goyou-waiting" means "waiting for business" or "waiting for work," and from this it is believed to be an auspicious tree with the hope that good business will come to it. It is an evergreen tree with green leaves even in winter, and is also used as a garden tree as it is a symbol of longevity. Goyomatsu bonsai is also very popular as an auspicious gift.
The Charm of Goyomatsu
Goyomatsu bonsai has become widely popular because it is easy to care for, and there are many enthusiasts throughout Japan. It shares its popularity with Black Pine bonsai.
The charm of Goyomatsu bonsai is that it is easy to grow both young and old trees, and it is possible to develop a variety of tree shapes such as straight trunk, patterned trunk, slanting trunk, flowing trunk, standing stumps, coiled trunk, hanging off a cliff, root systems, and even raft making.
In addition, it is suitable for the expression of jin and shari, and the contrast between the fineness of the foliage and the elegance of the pine makes it the most suitable species for bonsai.
Because of its popularity and widespread use, it is sometimes treated as if it is not rare, but if you select a good and promising material, determine the shape and characteristics of each tree, and cultivate it to develop its individuality, you will surely recognize the value of Goyomatsu bonsai.
