Nebari-the lower trunk and exposed roots
The term nebari describes the lower trunk and exposed roots of the bonsai. These features are integral to a well defined display.
In order to produce a fine nebari different techniques may be employed. It is possible to build a nebari within a short period of time on a healthy specimen by promoting more root growth higher on the plant using air layering. Air layering is normally a process used to propagate new plants from an existing one. Since air layering requires an interruption in the plants trunk so should only be done on plants that can withstand this extra burden. When the new roots are well established on the trunk at the point of the air layer, the old trunk and root system is removed and the plant is repotted using this new base as the nebari.
Another common method of creating better nebari is a derivative of the air layering technique where a cinch or essentially a tourniquet is used. The tourniquet is applied to the trunk slightly above the soil line where the new nebari is desired. The squeezing pressure creates the trunk to thicken and new roots will form below that level. After these new roots are established and the new trunk has thickened to an appropriate size, the old trunk and roots are removed and the tree is replanted. This process can produce some spectacular results.
The field growing technique of placing a flat stone, tile or brick under the roots can also build proper nebari. It is possible to incorporate this process in a large container with the resulting root structure splaying-out in all directions. In a similar process to the tourniquet air layering method and in conjunction with forcing the roots to grow over a flat surface, its possible to make the plant to grow through a hole in a board or tile. This will thicken the trunk and again produces the desired nebari.
Nebari is part of the allure of bonsai and although can be mystical in its appearance is no less mysterious than a bonsai itself if one learns the techniques to produce it.
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