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Kusamono and shitakusa

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A kusamono made of plants from Connecticut, during the summer
A shitakusa of miniature hosta (front left) as part of a formal bonsai display

Kusamono (literally "grass thing") and shitakusa (literally "undergrass") are a potted collection of plants designed to be viewed either in accompaniment with bonsai or alone.

Overview

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Normally, the term kusamono is used when the planting is displayed as the center of attention, while the term shitakusa is used for plantings that accompany bonsai displays.[1] In contrast to underplantings (which are potted in with the bonsai), kusamono and shitakusa are displayed separately in special pots, driftwood, or even stones.

Plants used

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Plants used are typically moss, grass, lichen, small flowers, bamboo, or bulbs, that may heighten the beauty or reflect a certain season. While traditionally in Japan, plants gathered from mountains contributed to the bulk of companion plantings, modern use has extended to more creative and artistic design.[citation needed]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "BSSF: Bonsai Society of San Francisco » Shikatusa, companion plantings". www.bssf.org. Archived from the original on October 8, 2011. Retrieved March 27, 2011.
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