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I've been given a bonsai tree by a friend who knew I was interested in learning about them. Unfortunately all it said on the pack was 'bonsai tree'.

I've done a little research looking for the name of it, my best guess is a fukien tea tree but I'm not totally convinced on closer inspection. Wide view Berries and leaves 1 Berries and leaves 2

I got it with some berries already on it, in the dark purple, red and white / light green.

The leaves seem to be pointed oval with toothed edges in an alternating pattern on the branches.

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I want to try shaping and pruning it soon and would love to do it some justice.

AvieRose
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I've had it confirmed today that it is in fact a Sageretia Theenze (Chinese sweet plum, or Bird plum).

Comparison image

Some Identifying factors:

  1. New leaf growth is a reddish brown which matures into the green colour
  2. Back buds very easily, even from mature wood
  3. Small white flowers give way to dark blue / purple Berry type fruits
  4. Semi tropical (evergreen indoors, deciduous outdoors in temperate zones)

Incase it helps anyone in the future, a good care guide can be downloaded from here

AvieRose
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Based on the fruit, leaves, and what little detail I can get from the trunk and bark, I would have to say this is some sort of plum tree.

Maybe in the realm of a Stanley plum.

Escoce
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  • Just tried one of the 'berries' and it does indeed taste of some sort of plum. Is it possible to germinate these seeds? – AvieRose Apr 02 '16 at 13:51
  • @AvieRose I didn't tell you to eat it!!! – Escoce Apr 02 '16 at 15:17
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    @AvieRose anyway, you can plant the stones after you stratify them. Wrap them in a paper towel, put in the bottom back of your fridge and forget them for 6 weeks. Then they may germinate. – Escoce Apr 02 '16 at 15:18