STYLE – TWIN TRUNK/SOKAN

Written by Vijaya Chamundeswari

    Twin Trunk or Sokan is a very interesting and wholesome looking style. As the name suggests it has two trunks that grow from the same root system or mother root. This makes us look at them as siblings. The elder sibling is taller and fatter while the younger one which is relatively shorter and thinner. These two sibling trunks normally arise from the base or Nebari but there are slight exceptions where in the trunk grows up a few inches before giving rise to these two siblings. On a lighter note you could view it as late pregnancy.

   As they grow together they try not to disturb or nudge each other. So while pruning too we help them by removing branches that emerge between the two trunks. Lateral growth of branches happens naturally and is encouraged too, adding to the beauty of forming the base of a scalene triangle. As the shape moves upwards the branches reduce in size to form the apex. The two siblings might join together to form a single apex or padding on top or stay beside each other forming two parallel apex. Branches growing towards the front are avoided for they hinder the view of the two trunks. Gap between the two are kept minimal enough to allow independent growth. Plants like ficus that have a sticky sap, on the long run tend to fuse as they begin to thicken their trunks so not very ideal for twin trunk, but as an exception for any rule, can be monitored and avoided. Casuarina, Premna, Bria, Australian Raintree and the likes would fit into this style. Back branches can be encouraged as their foliage might act as a natural backdrop for the two good looking trunk siblings.

   Bonsai as an art is loved for its curves that add a lively flowing movement to the static form. In Sokan it is appreciated that the siblings follow the same movement making it easier for the branches to create a balanced ramification with enough space for the birds to flit around as we say in Bonsai. It is nice to imagine an emotional bond between these two trunks when we see the taller sibling bending over the younger one very caringly. No two siblings always follow the same path. One might want to be an informal upright while the other a formal one. One might choose to be a windswept style while the other a literati. With a roll of wire in hand we can guide them into whatever style they are suited for while they stay together in Sokan. In the world of creativity and exposure anything is acceptable. We give them all an artistic license to be different. Rules need to be strictly followed when we sit for exams or competition.

   As in any style constant monitoring is needed lest the two stray from their focus or fall prey to external dangers of pests and weather. Reverse tapering is to be avoided as possibilities are more when we have two trunks emerging from a single base or trunk. That’s why we always keep one smaller than the other. Keeping the roots exposed at the surface close to the trunk creates a good tapering of the trunk base. 

   Choosing a pot when the bonsai is ready – a rectangle or oval is best suited depending on the specimen in hand. A sturdy thick masculine looking one goes into the rectangular while the dainty looking curvaceous ones go into the oval. Again, break the rules and blame creativity for it is imperfections that make an artist bloom.