Growing Ghost Trees

[CapeCodBonsai]

I’m currently potting seedlings like a madman. Among the many species that have germinated simultaneously is Davidia involucrata, the Dove Tree (also known as, Ghost Tree, Handkerchief Tree, and Laundry Tree).

Not having any experience propagating this tree, I’m unsure if I handled the initial planting correctly. The fruit is a solitary, ovoid drupe containing 3-6 seeds. I defaulted to what I imagine is the natural way these trees germinate by planting the entire drupe without attempting to separate out the individual embryos.

Does anyone know if I will end up with a hopelessly inseparable root mass by planting the entire drupe?

 

[yashu]

I’m currently potting seedlings like a madman. Among the many species that have germinated simultaneously is Davidia involucrata, the Dove Tree (also known as, Ghost Tree, Handkerchief Tree, and Laundry Tree).
View attachment 588673
Not having any experience propagating this tree, I’m unsure if I handled the initial planting correctly. The fruit is a solitary, ovoid drupe containing 3-6 seeds. I defaulted to what I imagine is the natural way these trees germinate by planting the entire drupe without attempting to separate out the individual embryos.
View attachment 588674
Does anyone know if I will end up with a hopelessly inseparable root mass by planting the entire drupe?

Worst case scenario; clump style!

 

[Shibui]

Does anyone know if I will end up with a hopelessly inseparable root mass by planting the entire drupe?

I have no experience with this species but you should be able to separate individual seedlings soon after they throw off the seed case. Your roots should be similar to what we get when sowing community pots of seed of most other species and those are routinely pricked out, separated and transplanted to individual pots.
Even after a year it's usually still possible to separate entwined roots. Cutting or breaking some roots is rarely fatal for seedings. I find the earlier I do initial root pruning the easier seedlings recover.

 

[CapeCodBonsai]

In my original post I meant to ask if anyone has attempted to bonsai this species? Being a native of China, I would think you’d see examples out there if it was of any use to bonsai cultivation.

At any rate, I enjoy a little quirkiness and the unique flowers intrigued me.