L-GL-Għħargargħħar u l-uar u l-użżu u tieg tiegħħu fil-u fil-BBonsaionsai

Il-kelma GhargharIl-kelma Gharghar gejja mill-isem Gharbi gejja mill-isem Gharbi AraarAraar..

Ismijiet ohra huma ‘Sandarac Gum Tree’ u Ismijiet ohra huma ‘Sandarac Gum Tree’ u ‘Thyine Tree’. ‘Thyine Tree’.

Is-sigra ta’ Is-sigra ta’ l-ghargharl-gharghar hija s-sigra Nazzjonali ta’ hija s-sigra Nazzjonali ta’ Malta. Din giet iddikjarata hekk fis-16 ta’ Jannar tas-Malta. Din giet iddikjarata hekk fis-16 ta’ Jannar tas-sena 1992. sena 1992.

Mill-1993, l-istess sigra hija mharsa bil-ligi permezz ta’ Mill-1993, l-istess sigra hija mharsa bil-ligi permezz ta’ Avviz Legali Numru 49 tal-1993. Avviz Legali Numru 49 tal-1993.

Din is-sigra hija mnizzla fil-lista tal-Kunsill ta’ l-Ewropa Din is-sigra hija mnizzla fil-lista tal-Kunsill ta’ l-Ewropa ta’ pjanti rari, mhedda u endemici ta’ l-Ewropa. ta’ pjanti rari, mhedda u endemici ta’ l-Ewropa.

Hija tidher ukoll fil-lista ta’ pjanti mhedda ppublikata fl-Hija tidher ukoll fil-lista ta’ pjanti mhedda ppublikata fl-1998 mill-Ghaqda Internazzjonali tal-Harsien tan-1998 mill-Ghaqda Internazzjonali tal-Harsien tan-Natura. Natura.

L-isem botaniku huwa L-isem botaniku huwa Tertaclinis Articulata, Tertaclinis Articulata, u u jiddiskrivi l-mod kif il-weraq, f’forma ta’ skwami jiddiskrivi l-mod kif il-weraq, f’forma ta’ skwami f’erba’ fillieri, jinfired u jinqasam, huwa u jikber. f’erba’ fillieri, jinfired u jinqasam, huwa u jikber.

Fl-Ewropa tinstab biss f’Malta u fin-nofsinhar ta’ Fl-Ewropa tinstab biss f’Malta u fin-nofsinhar ta’ Spanja vicin Kartagena. Fl-Afrika tinsab fil-Spanja vicin Kartagena. Fl-Afrika tinsab fil-Marokk u fl-Algerija. F’Malta rari hafna u fis-Marokk u fl-Algerija. F’Malta rari hafna u fis-salvagg, tikber fil-makkja, bhal f’tal-Maqluba. salvagg, tikber fil-makkja, bhal f’tal-Maqluba.

Rari toghla izjed minn 6 metri. Rari toghla izjed minn 6 metri.

Ezemplari taghha nisbuhom fil-gnien ta’ Ezemplari taghha nisbuhom fil-gnien ta’ Hastings, San Anton, fil-Buskett, il-Mellieha u Hastings, San Anton, fil-Buskett, il-Mellieha u tal-Maqluba l-Qrendi. Pero f’dawn l-ahhar ftit tal-Maqluba l-Qrendi. Pero f’dawn l-ahhar ftit snin qeghdin naraw aktar minnhom, ghaliex id-snin qeghdin naraw aktar minnhom, ghaliex id-dipartiment ta’ l-Agrikultura qieghed ihawwel dipartiment ta’ l-Agrikultura qieghed ihawwel hafna f’diversi nhawi.hafna f’diversi nhawi.

Sigar ta’ l-Gharghar hdejn il-Mizieb, il-Mellieha.

Foresta tas-sigar ta’ l-Gharghar fil-belt ta’ Essaouira fil-Marokk.

Iz-zerrieghaIz-zerriegha

L-gharghar hija sigra Konifera ghaliex taghmel L-gharghar hija sigra Konifera ghaliex taghmel il- koni.il- koni.

Il-koni rgiel ta’ xi 3mm, jkunu fit-truf tal-frieghi. Il-koni rgiel ta’ xi 3mm, jkunu fit-truf tal-frieghi. Dawn il-koni rgiel jibdew jiffurmaw ghal habta Dawn il-koni rgiel jibdew jiffurmaw ghal habta tax-xahar ta’ Settembru/Ottubru. Meta jifthu tax-xahar ta’ Settembru/Ottubru. Meta jifthu jarmu d-dukkar ma’ kull caqlieqa tar-rih. jarmu d-dukkar ma’ kull caqlieqa tar-rih.

Is-sigra ta’ l-gharghar tiddakkar permezz tar-rih. Is-sigra ta’ l-gharghar tiddakkar permezz tar-rih. U ghaldaqstant tifforma ghadd kbir ta’ koni rgiel U ghaldaqstant tifforma ghadd kbir ta’ koni rgiel biex tassigura dan.biex tassigura dan.

Koni RgielKoni Rgiel

Il-koni nisa jiffurmaw fl-istess zmien u ghall-Il-koni nisa jiffurmaw fl-istess zmien u ghall-ewwel ikunu qishom stilel zghar b’erba ponot, li ewwel ikunu qishom stilel zghar b’erba ponot, li fin-nofs taghhom jkollhom bhal qatra zghira li fin-nofs taghhom jkollhom bhal qatra zghira li meta tmissha donnha twahhal xi ftit. meta tmissha donnha twahhal xi ftit.

Din hija il-‘pollen drop’. Din isservi biex id-Din hija il-‘pollen drop’. Din isservi biex id-dukkar li jkun qieghed jingar bir-rih, meta jaqa’ dukkar li jkun qieghed jingar bir-rih, meta jaqa’ fuq il-koni nisa jehel maghha u b’hekk jkun jista’ fuq il-koni nisa jehel maghha u b’hekk jkun jista’ jinbeda il-process tal-fertilizzazjoni. jinbeda il-process tal-fertilizzazjoni.

Il-koni nisa meta jimmaturaw jilhqu 15mm u Il-koni nisa meta jimmaturaw jilhqu 15mm u jinqasmu f’erba’ flieli. jinqasmu f’erba’ flieli.

Dawn il-koni nisa nistghu nqaghtawhom mis-Dawn il-koni nisa nistghu nqaghtawhom mis-sigra ghal habta ta’ Settembru sa Dicembru, sigra ghal habta ta’ Settembru sa Dicembru, basta jkunu mtleww bizzejjed. basta jkunu mtleww bizzejjed.

Jekk imbaghad inhalluhom jinxfu f’post ghax-Jekk imbaghad inhalluhom jinxfu f’post ghax-xemx fejn ma tilhaqhomx ix-xita, jifthu bil-mod il-xemx fejn ma tilhaqhomx ix-xita, jifthu bil-mod il-mod u jekk ma jifthux ghal kollox, bi ftit mod u jekk ma jifthux ghal kollox, bi ftit pacenzja, tista’ tofroq u tofsoq iz-zerriegha. pacenzja, tista’ tofroq u tofsoq iz-zerriegha.

Kull zerriegha ghandha qalba b’forma ta’ qatra Kull zerriegha ghandha qalba b’forma ta’ qatra ilma, u mill-gnub taghha johorgu bhal zewg ilma, u mill-gnub taghha johorgu bhal zewg gwienah zghar. gwienah zghar.

Dawn il-gwienah jghinu fid-dispersjoni bir-rih Dawn il-gwienah jghinu fid-dispersjoni bir-rih (jigfieri, fit-tixrid) taz-zerriegha, il-boghod mis-(jigfieri, fit-tixrid) taz-zerriegha, il-boghod mis-sigra Omm.sigra Omm.

Issa, mhux kull zerriegha hija vijabli. Issa, mhux kull zerriegha hija vijabli.

Zerriegha li tkun sewda, ratba u mhux Zerriegha li tkun sewda, ratba u mhux imlahhma, aktarx li ma tkunx tajba. imlahhma, aktarx li ma tkunx tajba.

Filwaqt li zerriegha li l-qalba taghha tkun Filwaqt li zerriegha li l-qalba taghha tkun mimlija, kuluritha kannella-fuq-il-bexx u meta mimlija, kuluritha kannella-fuq-il-bexx u meta tinghafas bil-mod bejn zewg swaba tkun iebsa, tinghafas bil-mod bejn zewg swaba tkun iebsa, allura x’aktarx li dik tkun tajba.allura x’aktarx li dik tkun tajba.

Jekk wiehed jahseb biex jigbor iz-zerriegha Jekk wiehed jahseb biex jigbor iz-zerriegha kmieni, dejjem kif ghidna jekk il-koni nisa biz-kmieni, dejjem kif ghidna jekk il-koni nisa biz-zerriegha jkunu imlew sewwa, iz-zerriegha t-zerriegha jkunu imlew sewwa, iz-zerriegha t-tajba tista’ tinzera mall-ewwel. tajba tista’ tinzera mall-ewwel.

Jekk le, jigifieri jekk tingabar fit-tard meta il-Jekk le, jigifieri jekk tingabar fit-tard meta il-kesha tkun dahlet sewwa, allura ahjar li wiehed kesha tkun dahlet sewwa, allura ahjar li wiehed ihalli ghall-Marzu-April, meta l-ajru jerga jibda ihalli ghall-Marzu-April, meta l-ajru jerga jibda jishon xi ftit.jishon xi ftit.

Iz-zriegh jikkonsisti filli taqbad zerriegha u Iz-zriegh jikkonsisti filli taqbad zerriegha u tghoddosa bil-ponta l-isfel fit-tahlita (50% ‘peat’ tghoddosa bil-ponta l-isfel fit-tahlita (50% ‘peat’ u 50% ramel) f’ ‘seed tray’. u 50% ramel) f’ ‘seed tray’.

Ghaddasa sakemm it-tond ta’ fuq jigi livell mall-Ghaddasa sakemm it-tond ta’ fuq jigi livell mall-wicc. wicc.

Izra wahda kull pulzier u meta tlesti aqbad il-Izra wahda kull pulzier u meta tlesti aqbad il-bexxiexa u sprejja ‘l wicc tat-tahlita. bexxiexa u sprejja ‘l wicc tat-tahlita.

Tifqax it-tahlita b’hafna ilma. Ahjar tbexxex Tifqax it-tahlita b’hafna ilma. Ahjar tbexxex kuljum u ftit, kemm izzom tira medja. kuljum u ftit, kemm izzom tira medja.

Jekk kollox ikun sewwa, il-germinazzjoni tibda fi Jekk kollox ikun sewwa, il-germinazzjoni tibda fi ftit jiem, specjalment jekk jaghmlu granet ftit jiem, specjalment jekk jaghmlu granet xemxin u t-temperatura tkun ta’ madwar 75 xemxin u t-temperatura tkun ta’ madwar 75 grad F.grad F.

‘‘SeedlingsSeedlings’’

L-gherq primordjali johrog mill-ponta u jinzel ‘l L-gherq primordjali johrog mill-ponta u jinzel ‘l isfel. Jibda jimbotta z-zerriegha ‘l fuq mill-wicc isfel. Jibda jimbotta z-zerriegha ‘l fuq mill-wicc tat-tahlita; tibda tara z-zokk primordjali jihdar u tat-tahlita; tibda tara z-zokk primordjali jihdar u jikber ‘l fuq, sakemm mill-qoxra taz-zerriegha, li jikber ‘l fuq, sakemm mill-qoxra taz-zerriegha, li issa tkun telghet daqs 2cm mill-wicc, johorgu l-issa tkun telghet daqs 2cm mill-wicc, johorgu l-ewwel erba’ weraq (il- ‘cotyledons’).ewwel erba’ weraq (il- ‘cotyledons’).

F’dan l-istat, tista’ tibda tittrasplantja s-‘seedlings’ F’dan l-istat, tista’ tibda tittrasplantja s-‘seedlings’ f’pots zghar ( ta’ xi 4 cm.) biex ikomplu jikbru. It-tahlita f’pots zghar ( ta’ xi 4 cm.) biex ikomplu jikbru. It-tahlita ta’ 50% ‘peat’ u 50% ramel tista’ tintuza ghalissa ukoll, ta’ 50% ‘peat’ u 50% ramel tista’ tintuza ghalissa ukoll, pero wara xi gimghatejn, meta nsaqqu nziedu s-pero wara xi gimghatejn, meta nsaqqu nziedu s-sustanzi ma’ l-ilma. Dejjem insaqqu minn isfel!sustanzi ma’ l-ilma. Dejjem insaqqu minn isfel!

Meta s-seedlings jikbru u l-gheruq jibdew hergin mit-Meta s-seedlings jikbru u l-gheruq jibdew hergin mit-toqob tal-pots, inkabbru l-pot u nuzaw it-tahlita tal-toqob tal-pots, inkabbru l-pot u nuzaw it-tahlita tal-bonsai ( 2 ‘peat’, 3 ‘gravel’, 2 ramel u 1 hamrija). bonsai ( 2 ‘peat’, 3 ‘gravel’, 2 ramel u 1 hamrija).

Aghti sustanzi b’nitrogenu xi ftit gholi u dejjem kabbar Aghti sustanzi b’nitrogenu xi ftit gholi u dejjem kabbar il-pot jew aqleb f’kaxxi jew kontenituri baxxi u twal, u il-pot jew aqleb f’kaxxi jew kontenituri baxxi u twal, u ibda t-‘training’.ibda t-‘training’.

Jekk f’mohhok jkollok xi stil li trid taghmel, bhal Jekk f’mohhok jkollok xi stil li trid taghmel, bhal nghidu ahna, xi foresta, gruppi ta’ tnejn, tlieta u nghidu ahna, xi foresta, gruppi ta’ tnejn, tlieta u aktar, allura meta tittrasplantja s-‘seedlings’, aktar, allura meta tittrasplantja s-‘seedlings’, itfa’ f’pot wahda aktar ‘seedlings’ milli trid, halli itfa’ f’pot wahda aktar ‘seedlings’ milli trid, halli jekk tmut xi wahda tibqa’ bin-numru li tixtieq. jekk tmut xi wahda tibqa’ bin-numru li tixtieq.

Jekk ma jmut xejn, allura tista’ tnehhi dik li ma Jekk ma jmut xejn, allura tista’ tnehhi dik li ma tghogbokx.tghogbokx.

Sigar zgharSigar zghar

Meta s-sigar tal-gharghar jkunu zghar Meta s-sigar tal-gharghar jkunu zghar ghandhom it-tendenza li jitghawgu minn isfel. ghandhom it-tendenza li jitghawgu minn isfel.

Dan jista’ jintuza bhala vantagg; pero jekk tkun Dan jista’ jintuza bhala vantagg; pero jekk tkun trid xi zokk dritt , bhal fil-kaz ta’ l-istil wieqaf dritt trid xi zokk dritt , bhal fil-kaz ta’ l-istil wieqaf dritt (jew wieqaf formali), allura, wiehed irid jahseb (jew wieqaf formali), allura, wiehed irid jahseb mill-ewwel, billi jiddritta z-zokk principali bil-wijer mill-ewwel, billi jiddritta z-zokk principali bil-wijer irqiq.irqiq.

L-gharghar ukoll meta jkun zghir itellgha frieghi L-gharghar ukoll meta jkun zghir itellgha frieghi zghar minn isfel taz-zokk, anke jekk dawn ma zghar minn isfel taz-zokk, anke jekk dawn ma tantx jikbru jekk inhallu kollox ghaddej. tantx jikbru jekk inhallu kollox ghaddej.

Dawn il-frieghi jigu ferm bzonnjuzi jekk Dawn il-frieghi jigu ferm bzonnjuzi jekk f’mohhna nkunu ser infasslu stil ta’ zewg zkuk f’mohhna nkunu ser infasslu stil ta’ zewg zkuk principali (twin trunk), jew bit-tlieta (triple trunk), principali (twin trunk), jew bit-tlieta (triple trunk), jew b’hamsa (five trunk). Jigu bzonnjuzi ghaliex jew b’hamsa (five trunk). Jigu bzonnjuzi ghaliex jekk ahna naqtghu z-zokk principali tas-sigra sa jekk ahna naqtghu z-zokk principali tas-sigra sa fejn ikunu dawn il-frieghi, dawn l-istess frieghi fejn ikunu dawn il-frieghi, dawn l-istess frieghi imbaghad jarmu u jibdew jikbru u minnhom tkun imbaghad jarmu u jibdew jikbru u minnhom tkun tista’ taghzel iz-zkuk principali li fuqhom ser tista’ taghzel iz-zkuk principali li fuqhom ser tfassal l-istil.tfassal l-istil.

TkabbirTkabbir

Fl-ewwel snin, hu hsieb biss iz-zokk principali. Fl-ewwel snin, hu hsieb biss iz-zokk principali. Tieh il-forma li tixtieq u halli l-frieghi kollha, halli Tieh il-forma li tixtieq u halli l-frieghi kollha, halli

b’hekk ihaxxnu z-zokk principali. Pero jekk ikun b’hekk ihaxxnu z-zokk principali. Pero jekk ikun hemm xi fergha li tiehu rghajja f’idejha, hemm xi fergha li tiehu rghajja f’idejha, naqqasilha mill-weraq halli taghti cans lill-frieghi naqqasilha mill-weraq halli taghti cans lill-frieghi l-ohra jikbru. l-ohra jikbru.

Dejjem ftakar imma li trid thalli aktar weraq fil-Dejjem ftakar imma li trid thalli aktar weraq fil-frieghi t’isfel milli f’ta fuq, ghaliex inkella jkollok frieghi t’isfel milli f’ta fuq, ghaliex inkella jkollok frieghi hoxnin fil fuq tas-sigra milli f’ isfel taghha frieghi hoxnin fil fuq tas-sigra milli f’ isfel taghha u dan ‘tabu’ fil-bonsaj.u dan ‘tabu’ fil-bonsaj.

Meta z-zokk principali ikun ta’ certu hxuna li Meta z-zokk principali ikun ta’ certu hxuna li tixtieq u l-frieghi ikunu kibru u hxinu, ibda tixtieq u l-frieghi ikunu kibru u hxinu, ibda ghazel il-frieghi li ser izomm. ghazel il-frieghi li ser izomm. Ghawwighom fl-Ghawwighom fl-istil li trid. istil li trid.

Il-frieghi li ma ghandekx bzonn aqtaghhom jekk Il-frieghi li ma ghandekx bzonn aqtaghhom jekk inti cert mit-tajbin. inti cert mit-tajbin.

Tista’ pero ma taqtaghhomx kollha u thalli xi Tista’ pero ma taqtaghhomx kollha u thalli xi frieghi bhala ‘sacrifice branches’, jigifieri frieghi frieghi bhala ‘sacrifice branches’, jigifieri frieghi li thallihom jikbru hafna sabiex bl-ikel li li thallihom jikbru hafna sabiex bl-ikel li jipproducu jhaxxnu aktar iz-zokk fil-livell minn jipproducu jhaxxnu aktar iz-zokk fil-livell minn fejn johorgu. Meta mbaghad ilestu dmirhom, fejn johorgu. Meta mbaghad ilestu dmirhom, allura jigu maqtghuha ( jigu sagrifikati).allura jigu maqtghuha ( jigu sagrifikati).

Bil-qafas ta’ l-istil lest, jigifieri z-zokk principali u Bil-qafas ta’ l-istil lest, jigifieri z-zokk principali u l-frieghi mghawwgin skond l-istil, issa jkun l-frieghi mghawwgin skond l-istil, issa jkun wasal iz-zmien biex tibda tahdem fuq il-weraq.wasal iz-zmien biex tibda tahdem fuq il-weraq.

Naqqas it-tul tal-frieghi biex tohloq fis-siluwett Naqqas it-tul tal-frieghi biex tohloq fis-siluwett tas-sigra, il-famuz trijangolu. Meta taqta’ il-tas-sigra, il-famuz trijangolu. Meta taqta’ il-frieghi dawn jarmu weraq gdid minn hafna frieghi dawn jarmu weraq gdid minn hafna bnadi. Zomm li ghandek bzonn u ibda hu hsieb bnadi. Zomm li ghandek bzonn u ibda hu hsieb l-izbir tal-weraq.l-izbir tal-weraq.

L-gharghar jarmu minn ghejjun reqdin facilment L-gharghar jarmu minn ghejjun reqdin facilment (mhux bhaz-znuber, li huma wkoll koniferi)(mhux bhaz-znuber, li huma wkoll koniferi)

Rigward it-’training’ bil-wijer,l-gharghar, jifilhu Rigward it-’training’ bil-wijer,l-gharghar, jifilhu ghalih minghajr ebda konsegwenzi; dejjem jekk ghalih minghajr ebda konsegwenzi; dejjem jekk inzommu mar-regoli. inzommu mar-regoli.

L-Gharghar jzomm il-konicita (it-‘taper’) taz-L-Gharghar jzomm il-konicita (it-‘taper’) taz-zokk principali huwa u jikber, u ghalhekk zokk principali huwa u jikber, u ghalhekk wiehed ma ghandux ghalfejn joqghod ihabbel wiehed ma ghandux ghalfejn joqghod ihabbel wisq rasu fuq dan ir-rigward.wisq rasu fuq dan ir-rigward.

It-tahlita ghall-Gharghar trid tkun wahda miftuha It-tahlita ghall-Gharghar trid tkun wahda miftuha hafna ghalhekk nuza mat-tliet partijiet ‘gravel’.hafna ghalhekk nuza mat-tliet partijiet ‘gravel’.

Ir-‘repotting’ ghandu jsir ghall-habta ta’ Ir-‘repotting’ ghandu jsir ghall-habta ta’ Dicembru u Jannar.Dicembru u Jannar.

Bhala stili, nahseb li kull stil jista’ jitfassal fuq Bhala stili, nahseb li kull stil jista’ jitfassal fuq dawn is-sigar, pero gruppi u foresta jistghu dawn is-sigar, pero gruppi u foresta jistghu jaghtu xi diffikultajiet, specjalment jekk jaghtu xi diffikultajiet, specjalment jekk inzommu s-sigar zghar hafna.inzommu s-sigar zghar hafna.

L-aktar stili li sibt tajbin hafna huma il- ‘formal L-aktar stili li sibt tajbin hafna huma il- ‘formal upright’, il- ‘informal upright’, ‘semi-cascade’, il- upright’, il- ‘informal upright’, ‘semi-cascade’, il- ‘prostrate’, u s-sabamiki.‘prostrate’, u s-sabamiki.

Dan ta’ l-ahhar ghaliex l-Gharghar ghandu Dan ta’ l-ahhar ghaliex l-Gharghar ghandu injam abjad sabih hafna ghad-‘deadwood’ u injam abjad sabih hafna ghad-‘deadwood’ u l-‘jinning’. l-‘jinning’.

Bhala mard is-sigra ta’ l-gharghar ma tantx Bhala mard is-sigra ta’ l-gharghar ma tantx tbati. tbati.

Gieli fuq il-weraq jittrabbew bhal imhar bojod Gieli fuq il-weraq jittrabbew bhal imhar bojod zghar. Dawn ma jkiddux lis-sigra u facilment zghar. Dawn ma jkiddux lis-sigra u facilment jistghu jitnehhew manwalment. jistghu jitnehhew manwalment.

GGieli ukoll ikun hemm xi ‘die back’ ta’ xi frieghi, ieli ukoll ikun hemm xi ‘die back’ ta’ xi frieghi, specjalment jekk ma nizbrux il-weraq kif specjalment jekk ma nizbrux il-weraq kif suppost.suppost.

Dan li ghadni kif ghid huwa l-esperjenza tieghi Dan li ghadni kif ghid huwa l-esperjenza tieghi fil-kultivazjoni tal-Gharghar f’dawn l-ahhar snin.fil-kultivazjoni tal-Gharghar f’dawn l-ahhar snin.

Nhajjarkom tuzaw din is-sigra ghaliex nahseb li Nhajjarkom tuzaw din is-sigra ghaliex nahseb li barra li hija medjum tajjeb ghall-artist bonsajista barra li hija medjum tajjeb ghall-artist bonsajista fit-tfassil ta’ sigar bhala bonsaj, hija wara kollox fit-tfassil ta’ sigar bhala bonsaj, hija wara kollox is-sigra Nazzjonali Maltija u l-ghaqda taghna is-sigra Nazzjonali Maltija u l-ghaqda taghna tirrakomanda li nkabbru sigar Maltin bhala tirrakomanda li nkabbru sigar Maltin bhala bonsai. bonsai.

Nghid ghalija din is-sigra serqitli Nghid ghalija din is-sigra serqitli qalbi u mill-fond ta’ qalbi nixtieq li qalbi u mill-fond ta’ qalbi nixtieq li barra li tkun is-sigra Nazzjonali barra li tkun is-sigra Nazzjonali Maltija, tkun ukoll il-bonsaj Maltija, tkun ukoll il-bonsaj tipikament Maltija. tipikament Maltija.

B’hekk l-Gharghar tkun bhala ikona B’hekk l-Gharghar tkun bhala ikona tal-bonsai Maltin.tal-bonsai Maltin.

Xi Kurzitajiet u fatti fuq Xi Kurzitajiet u fatti fuq

l-Ghargharl-Gharghar

Gum Sandarac Granules for Incense

The resin, is procured as a natural exudation on the stems, and also obtained by The resin, is procured as a natural exudation on the stems, and also obtained by making incisions in the bark of the trees, making incisions in the bark of the trees,

Gum Sandarc Gum Sandarc Resin incenses are the top of the line Resin incenses are the top of the line in incense burning. With the help of incense charcoals, in incense burning. With the help of incense charcoals, one can release the intense fragrance of these fine one can release the intense fragrance of these fine resin granules.resin granules.

Sandarac gum resin has a wonderful warm, light, Sandarac gum resin has a wonderful warm, light, fruity, balsamic, frankincense-like fragrance. fruity, balsamic, frankincense-like fragrance.

Sandarac's warm balsamic fragrance works well in the Sandarac's warm balsamic fragrance works well in the evenings. It relaxes, calms and eases tension. It is evenings. It relaxes, calms and eases tension. It is helpful in cases of insomnia caused by tension or helpful in cases of insomnia caused by tension or stress. stress.

Sandarac is still used today to make liquor and Sandarac is still used today to make liquor and varnish. It is particularly valued for preserving varnish. It is particularly valued for preserving paintings.paintings.

In Morocco it is steeped in folk medicine and is used In Morocco it is steeped in folk medicine and is used as a remedy if childbirth becomes difficult. It has as a remedy if childbirth becomes difficult. It has calming effects and reduces cramps. calming effects and reduces cramps.

In Arabian countries it is burned to treat colds. In Arabian countries it is burned to treat colds.

The The ArabsArabs use it medicinally as a remedy for use it medicinally as a remedy for diarrheadiarrhea. . The gum is said to help against teeth ruining and The gum is said to help against teeth ruining and

therefore is used as "toothpaste".  therefore is used as "toothpaste".  The sandarac is occasionally used instead of Canada The sandarac is occasionally used instead of Canada

Balsam in  the preparation of microscopic glasses. Balsam in  the preparation of microscopic glasses.  The The woodwood, particularly from burls at the base of the , particularly from burls at the base of the

trunk, is used for decorative woodwork.trunk, is used for decorative woodwork. The fragrant brown wood has long been used by the The fragrant brown wood has long been used by the

craftsmen of Essaouira, Morocco to make house-craftsmen of Essaouira, Morocco to make house-wares and furniture. wares and furniture.

The wood of the root is the most sought after because The wood of the root is the most sought after because of its distinctly beautiful pattern of spots (much like of its distinctly beautiful pattern of spots (much like leopard skin!) and ripples. leopard skin!) and ripples.

The wood of this tree has always been The wood of this tree has always been considered very valuable and was used for considered very valuable and was used for the construction of fine furniture even by the construction of fine furniture even by the early Greeks and Romans due to its the early Greeks and Romans due to its beauty.beauty.

Tetraclinis articulataTetraclinis articulata has the following common has the following common names: Thyine tree; Sundarac Gum Tree.names: Thyine tree; Sundarac Gum Tree.

Thyine is derived from the Greek word Thyine is derived from the Greek word thueinthuein, , meaning meaning to sacrificeto sacrifice, and it was so called , and it was so called because it was burnt in sacrifices due to its because it was burnt in sacrifices due to its wonderful fragrance. wonderful fragrance.

Sandarac got its name from the Assyrian words Sandarac got its name from the Assyrian words for "as bright as the moon," which actually for "as bright as the moon," which actually refers to a mineral that the resin resembles. refers to a mineral that the resin resembles. Aristotle thought that the resin came from bees. Aristotle thought that the resin came from bees.

ThyineThyineOne of the items of commerce for the One of the items of commerce for the Great Babylon in Revelation 18:12 is also Great Babylon in Revelation 18:12 is also among the last plant products mentioned in among the last plant products mentioned in the Bible. "the Bible. "Cargoes of...every sort of citron Cargoes of...every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble;marble;". The identity of the "". The identity of the "citron woodcitron wood" " (NIV), is translated as "Thyine Wood" in (NIV), is translated as "Thyine Wood" in other translations. other translations. ThyineThyine wood wood is is reddish/brown in color and has small, dark, reddish/brown in color and has small, dark, "eyes". This wood is hard, heavy, and "eyes". This wood is hard, heavy, and veryvery aromatic.aromatic.

   

Formal Upright

(Paul Micallef)

Prostrate Exposed Roots

Slanting

Informal Upright

Informal Upright

(Carmel Busutill)

This tree was This tree was purchased from a purchased from a local nursery in local nursery in 2004. The tree had 2004. The tree had a natural a natural inclination for a inclination for a formal upright formal upright however when however when purchased it had a purchased it had a lack of braches in lack of braches in certain areas. In certain areas. In the past two years the past two years the tree was the tree was allowed to grow allowed to grow and take shape.and take shape.

During summer the tree During summer the tree seemed to be in good seemed to be in good health. I took the tree to health. I took the tree to the local bonsai club the local bonsai club where Dr. Grech was where Dr. Grech was conducting a workshop conducting a workshop on styling.on styling. The first step The first step was to start clearing the was to start clearing the branches and removing branches and removing the smaller unwanted the smaller unwanted branches to be able to branches to be able to see the silhouette of the see the silhouette of the tree.tree.

A decision was taken as to what the final A decision was taken as to what the final height of the tree would be in the light of height of the tree would be in the light of the available branches and the availability the available branches and the availability of a young flexible branch which would be of a young flexible branch which would be trained as the apex. trained as the apex.

The tree was The tree was cut to the cut to the desired length desired length and top and top branches branches pruned. pruned.

We decided that We decided that the top part of the the top part of the tree would be tree would be jinned and so the jinned and so the process of process of stripping the bark stripping the bark started by cutting started by cutting around the bark around the bark and stripping the and stripping the bark slowly to bark slowly to expose the expose the beautiful white beautiful white wood. wood.

With the bark With the bark stripped the stripped the wood will be wood will be left to dry and left to dry and will be treated will be treated later with lime later with lime sulphur. sulphur.

When it came to When it came to the lower the lower branches it was branches it was difficult to decide difficult to decide which ones would which ones would go and which go and which ones would stay. ones would stay. A discussion A discussion ensued covering ensued covering the various the various options options available... available...

In the end it was In the end it was agreed that a agreed that a decision on the decision on the branches to be branches to be removed would be removed would be taken at a later taken at a later stage after the stage after the necessary wiring necessary wiring was made which was made which would enable us to would enable us to better see what the better see what the branches would branches would look like when look like when wired down. wired down.

The EndThe End