Ehretia microphylla (Philippine Tea)
Ehretia microphylla (Philippine Tea)
Introduction
Ehretia microphylla (syn. Carmona retusa), the Philippine tea tree or Fukien tea, is discussed under its currently accepted synonym Carmona retusa in the tropical indoor bonsai section. The two names refer to the same species — a small-leaved tropical shrub with white-dotted dark-green leaves, tiny white flowers, and red-to-black berries that is one of the most popular commercial indoor bonsai subjects worldwide. The name Ehretia microphylla follows the older nomenclature still used in some bonsai nursery catalogs. For complete cultivation details, see the Carmona retusa entry, which provides identical care guidance under the currently accepted botanical name.
Ehretia microphylla Lam. is the basionym (original name) for the species now widely accepted as Carmona retusa (Vahl) Masam. in current botanical nomenclature. The species is a tropical shrub or small tree reaching 3-8 m in the wild, native to tropical Asia from southern China through the Philippines, Malaysia, and into northern Australia. The leaves are 1-3 cm long, dark glossy green with distinctive white dots (cystoliths) on the upper surface. Flowers are tiny, white, 5-petaled; fruits ripen through red to black. The species is placed in family Boraginaceae under modern classification. Both names remain in active commercial use — Carmona retusa dominates in European and Asian bonsai literature, while Ehretia microphylla persists in Philippine, American, and some scientific sources.
| Common Name | Philippine Tea | Family | Boraginaceae |
| Origin | Southeast Asia | Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor |
| Bonsai Tradition | Modern | Japanese Name | — |
| Difficulty | Beginner | Group | Specialty & Unusual |
| Recommended Styles | Moyogi (Informal Upright), Hokidachi (Broom), Shakan (Slanting), Sekijoju (Root Over Rock) | ||
| Size Categories | Mame (5–15 cm), Shohin (15–20 cm), Chuhin (25–46 cm) | ||
History & Tradition
Long history in southern Chinese penjing. One of the most commercially sold indoor bonsai worldwide. See Carmona retusa entry for complete historical context.
About Specialty & Unusual Bonsai
Specialty bonsai encompass unusual and exotic species that push the boundaries of traditional bonsai art. Ginkgo biloba, the sole surviving member of its ancient plant family, creates distinctive fan-shaped golden displays in autumn. Baobab bonsai (Adansonia) bring the unmistakable silhouette of the African savanna to miniature scale. Jade plant (Crassula) and other succulents offer a gateway to bonsai principles in arid climates. Dawn redwood (Metasequoia) represents a living fossil, once thought extinct before its rediscovery in 1944. Willow-leaf ficus and other unusual cultivars challenge conventional bonsai aesthetics. These species often require research into specialized care protocols, as general bonsai guidelines may not apply.
Botanical Profile
| Family | Boraginaceae | Genus | Ehretia |
| Species | microphylla | Plant Type | evergreen shrub |
| Origin | Southeast Asia | Growth Rate | moderate |
| Foliage Type | evergreen | Bark Character | grey-brown, textured |
| Autumn Color | Height Range | 8-40 |
The taxonomic relationship between Ehretia and Carmona is a nomenclatural issue that has caused decades of confusion in bonsai literature. Ehretia microphylla Lam. (1792) is the older name, but the combination Carmona retusa (Vahl) Masam. (1942) is currently accepted by most botanical authorities including Plants of the World Online. The genus Ehretia sensu stricto contains about 50 species; Carmona was separated based on fruit and calyx characteristics. For bonsai purposes, the species is identical regardless of which name is used — the white-dotted leaf surface is the consistent diagnostic feature. Chromosome number 2n=36.
Bonsai Styles
| Style | Japanese Name |
|---|---|
| Moyogi | Informal Upright |
| Hokidachi | Broom |
| Shakan | Slanting |
| Sekijoju | Root Over Rock |
Informal upright is the dominant style, reflecting the spreading, irregular growth habit. Slanting, broom, and semi-cascade styles all work well. The small leaf size suits all scales from shohin upward. Multi-trunk and clump styles are effective. See the Carmona retusa entry for complete styling guidance.
Group Style Guide
Ginkgo bonsai are most often styled as informal upright or fan-shaped, reflecting their unique leaf form. Baobab bonsai follow the naturalistic thick-trunk style of their wild counterparts, often in formal upright. Succulent bonsai like jade plant use modified informal upright with thick, fleshy trunks. Dawn redwood suits formal upright and forest plantings, displaying its ancient lineage. Willow-style weeping forms work well for specialized weeping cultivars. The diversity of specialty species means each requires individual study rather than following standard group guidelines.
Trunk & Nebari
| Nebari Development | easy | Deadwood Suitability | not_suitable |
| Bark Scarring Risk | moderate | Bark Character | grey-brown, textured |
Develops surface roots readily in tropical conditions. Grey-brown bark with shallow fissuring develops on mature trunks. Trunk thickening is moderate — faster in tropical ground culture. See Carmona retusa entry for complete details on trunk and nebari development.
Deadwood Techniques
Sparingly used due to soft wood and humid conditions needed. Small jin with wood hardener and lime sulfur. Focus on living canopy, flowers, and fruits. See Carmona retusa entry for details.
Wiring & Shaping
Aluminum wire on relatively soft, pliable wood. Check every four to six weeks to prevent bite. The thin bark scars permanently. See Carmona retusa entry for complete wiring guidance.
| Wire Type | Bark Scarring Risk | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Lower (softer wire) | Late autumn / early spring |
| Annealed copper | Higher (holds shape better) | Late autumn / early spring |
🌍 Distribution Map
Native origin: Southeast Asia
Pruning & Pinching
| Ramification Quality | fine | Leaf/Needle Reduction | good |
Pinch once two to three internodes extend, leaving two leaves. Back-buds reliably from old wood. Avoid hard pruning and repotting simultaneously. See Carmona retusa entry for complete pruning details.
Watering
Consistent moisture without waterlogging. Never allow complete drying. Daily watering in dry indoor conditions. Humidity trays and misting. See Carmona retusa entry for comprehensive watering guidance.
Soil & Repotting
| Substrate Type | Tropical Mix (Akadama/Bark/Perlite) |
| Repotting Frequency | Every 2 years |
| Root Pruning Tolerance | moderate |
Every two to three years in late spring. 50% akadama, 30% pumice, 20% bark or coir. Conservative root pruning. Never repot in winter. See Carmona retusa entry for complete repotting details.
Group Soil Recipes
Substrate requirements vary dramatically among specialty species. Ginkgo tolerates standard deciduous mix. Succulent bonsai (jade, adenium) need extremely fast-draining mixes: 30% akadama, 40% pumice, 30% perlite with no organic matter. Baobab requires similar succulent-type substrate. Dawn redwood prefers moisture-retentive mix with higher akadama content (70%). Research individual species requirements carefully, as generic bonsai mix may be inappropriate. Tropical specialty species follow ficus-type substrate guidelines. Always err on the side of better drainage when uncertain.
Fertilizing
| Season | NPK Ratio | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Balanced | Every 2 weeks | Support new growth |
| Summer | Balanced | Every 2 weeks | Sustain vigor |
| Autumn | Low N | Every 3–4 weeks | Harden off for winter |
| Winter | None | — | No feeding during dormancy |
Balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks spring through autumn, monthly in winter. Moderate feeder. Slight phosphorus emphasis supports flowering. See Carmona retusa entry for complete fertilizing guidance.
Light & Placement
Minimum four to five hours direct or bright indirect light. South window or grow lights at 5000+ lux. Minimum 15°C. Optimal 20-30°C. See Carmona retusa entry for complete light and placement details.
Seasonal Placement Guide
Spring: Growth resumes for most species; succulent species begin active growth as temperatures warm; feed appropriately for each species type. Summer: Peak growing season; ginkgo is a heavy feeder; succulents need careful watering to avoid rot; dawn redwood needs consistent moisture. Autumn: Ginkgo turns brilliant gold; succulents may begin dormancy; reduce feeding for all species. Winter: Species-specific care is critical — ginkgo is fully hardy, succulents need frost-free storage, dawn redwood tolerates moderate cold. Research individual winter requirements.
Seasonal Care
| Season | Watering | Feeding | Key Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Increasing | Resume / increase | Repotting, structural pruning, wiring |
| Summer | Maximum | Regular biweekly | Maintenance pruning, pinching, pest watch |
| Autumn | Decreasing | Reduce / stop | Wiring, structural work, winter preparation |
| Winter | Minimal | None (dormancy) | Protect roots, plan next season |
Tropical species requiring consistent warmth year-round. No true dormancy. Increase care in spring, maximum activity in summer, gradual transition indoors in autumn, bright warm position in winter. See Carmona retusa entry for season-by-season details.
Group Seasonal Guide
Spring: Growth resumes for most species; succulent species begin active growth as temperatures warm; feed appropriately for each species type. Summer: Peak growing season; ginkgo is a heavy feeder; succulents need careful watering to avoid rot; dawn redwood needs consistent moisture. Autumn: Ginkgo turns brilliant gold; succulents may begin dormancy; reduce feeding for all species. Winter: Species-specific care is critical — ginkgo is fully hardy, succulents need frost-free storage, dawn redwood tolerates moderate cold. Research individual winter requirements.
Pests & Diseases
Whitefly is the defining pest. Spider mites in dry indoor conditions. Scale insects. Root rot from overwatering. See Carmona retusa entry for complete pest and disease management details.
Group Pest Guide
Ginkgo is remarkably pest-resistant; few insects or diseases affect it. Succulent bonsai are susceptible to mealybugs and root mealybugs; inspect roots during repotting. Adenium and succulent species are vulnerable to root rot in cool, wet conditions; maintain fast drainage and warm temperatures. Dawn redwood has few serious pests; occasional aphids on new growth are the main concern. Baobab is susceptible to root rot in cool climates; ensure warm, well-drained conditions. Research pest profiles for individual specialty species, as they vary dramatically.
| Pest/Disease | Identification | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing, stippled/bronzed foliage | Miticide spray, increase humidity, neem oil |
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses in leaf axils | Rubbing alcohol on cotton swab, systemic insecticide |
| Scale Insects | Brown or white bumps on stems/branches | Horticultural oil, systemic insecticide, manual removal |
Propagation
Semi-hardwood cuttings root readily at 25-28°C. Air layering highly reliable. Seed germinates but is slow. See Carmona retusa entry for complete propagation guidance.
Group Propagation Guide
Ginkgo propagates easily from seed (harvest from female trees in autumn) or semi-hardwood cuttings. Succulent bonsai like jade plant propagate from leaf or stem cuttings with minimal effort. Adenium propagates from seed (producing the desirable caudex) or cuttings (lacking the swollen base). Baobab is best from seed soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. Dawn redwood propagates from softwood cuttings in summer or from seed with brief cold stratification. Research specific methods for unusual species, as standard techniques may not apply.
| Method | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cuttings | Variable | Consult species-specific guides |
| Air Layering | 8–12 weeks | Instant thick trunk; advanced |
Size Classification
Effective at all scales from shohin to medium-large. Small leaf size (1-2 cm) maintains proportion at small scale. See Carmona retusa entry for complete size classification.
| Keshitsubo (3–8 cm) |
| Shito (5–10 cm) |
| Mame (5–15 cm) ✅ |
| Shohin (15–20 cm) ✅ |
| Komono (15–25 cm) |
| Chuhin (25–46 cm) ✅ |
| Omono (46–76 cm) |
| Dai (76–122 cm) |
| Imperial (122+ cm) |
Varieties & Cultivars
Carmona retusa 'Variegata' has white leaf margins. Compact-growing clones available from Southeast Asian nurseries. See Carmona retusa entry for cultivar details.
Group Varieties
Ginkgo biloba offers fan-shaped golden autumn foliage and living-fossil heritage. Adansonia (baobab) brings African savanna character with its swollen trunk. Crassula ovata (jade plant) is the entry-level succulent bonsai. Adenium obesum (desert rose) has a dramatic swollen caudex and tropical flowers. Metasequoia glyptostroboides (dawn redwood) is a deciduous conifer once thought extinct. Operculicarya decaryi from Madagascar has tiny leaves and gnarled character. Portulacaria afra (dwarf jade) develops excellent miniature tree form. Bursera fagaroides offers Mexican desert character with peeling bark.
Buying Guide & Display
Avoid mass-market specimens with incorrect potting mixes. Purchase from specialist nurseries. Look for genuine trunk taper and compact ramification. See Carmona retusa entry for complete buying guidance.
| Check | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Trunk | Good taper, interesting movement, no reverse taper at graft union |
| Nebari | Even radial root spread, no circling or crossing roots |
| Roots | Healthy white root tips visible, no root rot smell |
| Branches | Well-placed primary branches, no large scars or stubs |
| Health | Vibrant foliage color, no pests, firm bark, strong buds |
Troubleshooting
Sudden leaf drop from cold or movement. Spider mite webbing. Sticky honeydew from whitefly. Non-flowering from insufficient light. See Carmona retusa entry for complete troubleshooting.
Common Problems
Display & Exhibition
Display when flowering and fruiting simultaneously. Glazed oval pot in earth tones. See Carmona retusa entry for complete display guidance.
Group Display Guide
Specialty bonsai are displayed to emphasize their unique characteristics. Ginkgo is displayed in autumn when fan-shaped leaves turn brilliant gold. Succulent bonsai are displayed on stone slabs or unglazed pottery that reflects their arid origins. Baobab specimens are displayed to emphasize their distinctive swollen trunks. Dawn redwood forest plantings make effective seasonal displays. Unusual species benefit from informational companion cards that educate viewers about the species. Display stands and pots should be selected to complement each species' individual character.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my Philippine Tea bonsai?
Water your Philippine Tea bonsai when the top layer of soil begins to dry. During summer this may be daily or even twice daily for outdoor trees; in winter, reduce frequency significantly. Always water thoroughly until water runs from the drainage holes, then allow the soil to partially dry before the next watering.
Can I keep Philippine Tea bonsai indoors?
Yes, Philippine Tea can be grown indoors in a bright location near a south-facing window. Supplement with grow lights in winter if needed.
What bonsai styles suit Philippine Tea?
Philippine Tea is particularly well-suited to Moyogi, Hokidachi, Shakan. Choose a style that complements the existing trunk movement and natural growth habit of your individual tree.
When should I repot my Philippine Tea bonsai?
Repot Philippine Tea every 2 years in early spring, just before the buds begin to swell. Signs that repotting is needed include water sitting on the surface without soaking in, roots circling inside the pot, or reduced vigor despite proper care.
How do I wire Philippine Tea bonsai?
Use aluminum wire for Philippine Tea. Apply wire at a 45-degree angle, with wire thickness approximately one-third of the branch diameter. Wire during the dormant season when possible, and check wires every 2–4 weeks during the growing season to prevent them cutting into the bark.
Is Philippine Tea good for beginners?
Yes, Philippine Tea is an excellent choice for beginners. It is forgiving of occasional care mistakes and responds well to basic bonsai techniques.
What soil mix should I use for Philippine Tea?
Use Tropical Mix (Akadama/Bark/Perlite) for Philippine Tea. The key principle is excellent drainage combined with adequate moisture retention. Never use standard garden soil or purely organic potting mix for bonsai, as these compact over time and suffocate roots.
How do I promote ramification on Philippine Tea?
Ramification on Philippine Tea is rated as fine. Promote finer branching through repeated cycles of growing and cutting back. Allow shoots to extend 4–6 nodes, then prune back to 1–2 nodes. Over multiple growing seasons, this creates increasingly dense and refined branch structure.
When is the best time to prune Philippine Tea?
Perform structural pruning on Philippine Tea during the dormant season (late autumn to late winter) when the tree's energy reserves are in the roots. Maintenance pruning and pinching of new growth can be done throughout the growing season to maintain shape and promote density.
How cold-hardy is Philippine Tea?
Philippine Tea should be protected from temperatures below 10°C. Hardy in USDA zones 10-12. Protect container roots by placing in an unheated garage, cold frame, or burying the pot in ground soil during extreme cold.
Quick Reference Summary
| Scientific Name | Ehretia microphylla |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Philippine Tea |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Group | Specialty & Unusual |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Bonsai Tradition | Modern |
| Wiring Suitability | good |
| Wire Type | aluminum |
| Ramification | fine |
| Leaf/Needle Reduction | good |
| Nebari Development | easy |
| Deadwood Suitability | not_suitable |
| Substrate | Tropical Mix (Akadama/Bark/Perlite) |
| Repotting Frequency | Every 2 years |
| USDA Zones | 10-12 |
