Bonsai literally means 'tree in a pot' .

The art of bonsai originating in China in the 1600s. Over the last 400 years bonsai has developed into a world wide artform. Bonsai involves restrictingb the growth of trees by controlling root growth, and careful shaping of tree trunks and limbs to create a representation of a tree in nature.

Are all small trees grown in a pot be considered a Bonsai? Not if we take ito account the Japanese concept of mochikomi, broadly translated to mean the process of the tree aging in the pot for 10 years or more.

Bonsai has 5 major styles, Moyo-gi, an informal but upright style. Shakan, a leaning trunk or slanting style which gives a feeling of a natural windswept tree. Kengai, in this style the trunk bends down sometimes even over the side of the pot, as if weighed down by snow, or grown on a cliff. Hokidachi, a fan like style, often symmetrical. Bunjin-ji, a style that is a representation of the ideal form of a tree.