Ubamegashi Oak, Quercus phillyraeoides

Posted by Rob Kempinski on Mar 10 2009

kinkakuji-distance

This is a shohin Japanese Ubame Live Oak. I think it is a Ubamegashi Oak, Quercus phillyraeoides, native to Japan.
It started as an acorn lying under a neatly trimmed Live Oak hedge at the entrance to the Kinkakuji Temple, i.e. the Golden Pavilion, in Kyoto, Japan in 2000.
Nine years later I planted it in this unglazed pot by American potter, Sara Rayner. It has nicely shaped oval leaves. Rarely does it lose all its leaves at one time.
So far it hasn’t made fruit but is shaping up to be an interesting and moderately unique bonsai in America.

japanese-live-oak

A close up of the leaves.

japanese_live_oak-leaf1


2 Responses to “Ubamegashi Oak, Quercus phillyraeoides”

  1. Bjorn Bjorholm Says:
    March 11th, 2009 at 5:20 am

    Rob,
    Trees with stories like this one are the best. The history is half the enjoyment. I live not too far from Kinkakuji so I almost feel like you’re talking about my hometown (despite the fact that I’m originally from TN). Do you make it to Japan very often? I’m apprenticing with Keiichi Fujikawa right now and will be here for several more years, so if you do make it back please lt me know!
    Bjorn

  2. Rob Kempinski Says:
    March 13th, 2009 at 7:54 am

    Hi Bjorn,

    Thanks for the comment. Yes it is a simple shohin but you’re right – it has a story.

    In years past I traveled to Japan very regularly. Now I only go for the occasional bonsai tour. I’m thinking about a trip to Japan in 2010 so maybe then. Taiwan appears to be on my radar screen for my next Asian tour.

    Have fun learning, and keep posting to your blog. I enjoy it.

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