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1.Carmona Bonsai — Overview
The Carmona Bonsai is scientifically known as Ehretia microphylla. It is sometimes referred to as Carmona retusa or the Fukien Tea Tree. It is a remarkable evergreen shrub or small tree native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, including southern China, Taiwan, Japan, and Vietnam. It belongs to the Boraginaceae family, which is known for its diverse species.
This plant is highly prized in bonsai cultivation for its aesthetic qualities. These include a naturally gnarled trunk that develops a grayish-beige fissured bark with age, and small, glossy dark green leaves that often feature fine white hairs (pilosity) and tiny white dots on their surface. They also include delicate star-shaped white flowers that bloom year-round, and small, round red berries that contain a stone core with several seeds. In its natural habitat, Ehretia microphylla can reach heights of up to three meters.
Its compact growth habit, fine ramification, and ability to tolerate various pruning techniques make it an ideal subject for intricate bonsai forms. It symbolizes longevity, strength, and endurance in Asian cultures. Beyond its ornamental appeal, the plant holds a significant place in traditional medicine systems. There its roots and leaves have been utilized for a range of therapeutic purposes, reflecting a deep historical connection to human health.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Ehretia microphylla:
Carmona Bonsai should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed indoor plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Carmona Bonsai — Key Features
- Botanical Name — Ehretia microphylla (syn. Carmona retusa).
- Common Names — Carmona Bonsai, Fukien Tea Tree.
- Native Region — Southeast Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam).
- Leaf Morphology — Small, glossy, dark green, often notched, with fine white hairs and dots.
- Flowering — Delicate, star-shaped white flowers blooming year-round.
- Fruiting — Small, round red berries that develop consistently.
- Bark — Greyish-beige, developing a fissured texture with maturity.
- Traditional Uses — Digestive aid, febrifuge, anti-inflammatory, detoxifier, antidiarrhoeal.
- Key Constituents — Flavonoids, triterpenes, and phenolic acids.
- Bonsai Appeal — Adaptable to various styles, easy maintenance, and rapid growth.
1.2.Carmona Bonsai — Quick Summary
- Ehretia microphylla, or Carmona Bonsai, is an evergreen shrub native to Southeast Asia.
- Valued for its aesthetic appeal as a bonsai and its rich history in traditional medicine.
- Traditionally used for anti-inflammatory, antidiarrhoeal, febrifuge, and detoxifying purposes.
- Contains beneficial phytochemicals including flavonoids, triterpenes, and phenolic acids.
- Modern research investigates its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory potential.
- Requires warm, humid conditions and careful watering for optimal growth and health.
2.Carmona Bonsai — Scientific Identity
3.Carmona Bonsai — Categories & Tags
4.Carmona Bonsai — Appearance & Identification
5.Carmona Bonsai — Water Requirements
- Placement — The Carmona Bonsai thrives indoors in bright, indirect light, ideally near a south-facing window; it can be moved outdoors in warm, frost-free climates during summer.
- Temperature — Maintain a stable temperature around 20-25°C (68-77°F), avoiding drops below 15°C (59°F) which can stress the plant.
- Humidity — High humidity is crucial; use a humidity tray filled with wet gravel or mist the leaves regularly, especially in dry indoor environments.
- Watering — Water generously when the soil surface begins to dry, ensuring thorough saturation but never allowing the pot to sit in standing water to prevent root rot.
- Fertilizing — Apply a balanced liquid organic fertilizer every two to four weeks from spring to autumn, reducing frequency in winter, always on moist soil to protect sensitive roots.
- Pruning & Wiring — Regular pruning of new shoots promotes dense ramification; young, flexible branches can be wired gently, while older, brittle branches require careful handling.
- Repotting — Repot every two years in early spring, carefully pruning a portion of the root ball and using a well-draining, moisture-retentive soil mix like Akadama with humus and pumice.
- Propagation — Easily propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or from seeds harvested from ripe berries.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
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Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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