Bonsai is the art of growing ornamental, artificially dwarfed varieties of trees and shrubs in pots. Bonsai does not require genetically dwarfed trees, but rather depends on growing small trees from regular stock and seeds. Bonsai uses cultivation techniques like pruning, root reduction, potting, defoliation, and grafting to produce small trees that mimic the shape and style of mature, full-size trees. The practice dates back to 700 CE, and originated in China. “Bon-sai” is a Japanese word, and is perhaps more widely associated with Japan. However, the Chinese practised “pun-sai” (tray planting), from which the Japanese bonsai originated.
Bonsai Empire, a collection of global enthusiasts and experts, says that in 700 CE, the Chinese were using “special techniques” to grow dwarf trees
