PIX 195211:  Chinese banyan (Vietnamese name:  cây Đa)

This Chinese banyan or fig (botanical name:  Ficus retusa or F. microcarpa) is about 17 year-old and 28 cm (11 inch) tall.  Being developed in the informal upright ("moyogi" in Japanese bonsai jargon) style, this tree also exhibits a special feature of its species:  slithery, aerial roots.

Nicknamed "Apsaras" because the silhouette of  its sinuous trunk and 2 lowest main branches conjures up images of a forest nymph entertaining the Hindu gods with her repertoire of mesmeric, convoluting dance movements.

This tropical evergreen is one of the few bonsai species that can be permanently displayed indoor due to its ability to survive poor lighting condition and aridity (the average household's humidity is, surprisingly, lower than that of the Sahara dessert!).  This resilient tree, however, performs best in fertile, moist soil, partial shade, and high humidity.  Sudden changes in temperature and light, due to a relocation for example, would cause most of  its leaves to drop, but the Chinese banyan should quickly and fully recover. 

The banyan is prevalent in rural Vietnam, and a shrine is often built next to each ancient, giant one -- it can grow to 25 m (80 ft) tall and 30 m (100 ft) in ideal conditions -- as these trees are believed to be the dwelling places of choice for deities and for the lost spirits of the unnatural dead.

PIX 195221:  Japanese boxwood (Vietnamese name:  cây Hoàng-Dương)

This Japanese boxwood (Botanical name:  Buxus microphylla) is about 35 year-old and 40 cm (16 inch) tall.  Being fashioned in the informal upright style, this tree also hints at being windswept ("fukinagashi" in Japanese bonsai jargon) to the right.

This tree's deeply fissured, pronouncedly tapered trunk and a powerful base with earth-gripping, tentacular roots are sure indicators of an advanced age, especially when the slow-growing nature of boxwoods is considered.  Its small leaves enhance the illusion of a large, shady tree, by the road, under which weary travelers may take refuge from the intense summer sun.

Originated from China, this evergreen species needs to be outdoor, tolerates sun but prefers partial shade.  It also likes fertile, well-drained soil.  It tolerates severe pruning and shaping, but its sap can be irritating to the sensitive skin so be careful.

The box's hard, fine-grained wood is one of the few heavier than water and is commercially important for the construction of precision instruments.