Editing Rhapis variegated (section)

===Introducing The Secret Of The Orient===
Introduced to Japan, from China, in about
1600 AD, the western world has only
recently discovered the exquisite miniature
palms of Japan and the traditions
which surround them. Truly a secret of the
orient and, until now, "national treasures"
which the Japanese have neither sought to
export nor publicise to outsiders.
Collectively called '''''Kannonchiku''''' (Kan-non-chee-ku)
they are, botanically, all ''[[Rhapis excelsa]]'',
a species which is native to
southern China. The name, '''''Kannonchiku''''', is
thought to derive from an Okinawan
temple dedicated to the Buddhist goddess
'Kannon" and from 'Chiku", Japanese for
bamboo, which the plants superficially
resemble. Another species, ''[[Rhapis humilis]]'',
or '''''Shurochiku''''', is also highly regarded but
does not enjoy the same prominence as
does '''''Kannonchiku'''''.
 
'''''Kannonchiku''''' are small evergreen palms
which never have branches, seldom grow
higher than two metres when mature and
have stems covered in a net-like fibrous
bark. Characteristically, all '''''Kannonchiku'''''
have "hand-like" leaves and it is the shape,
density and colouring of these, combined
with rare natural dwarfing, that forms the
very basis of their attraction and reverence
in Japan.
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[[File:Rhapis_varigated.jpg|frame|Figure 1. ''R. excelsa'' var 'Zuikonishiki']]
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With over one hundred named varieties of
'''''Kannonchiku''''' the naming and registration
of them is the responsibility of the Japan
'''Kansochiku Association''', or '''Kanoskai''', who,
since 1947, has officially given each
variety a name and placed them on a
ranked classification register. About fifty
varieties have striped (shimatu) or spotted
(zufu) leaves and about fifty have all green
(aoba) leaves. These are again divided into
genealogical groups depending on their
place of origin and are: "Native Group" or
those introduced to Japan since the
seventeenth century, "Rakanchiku' from
southern China, "Taiwanchiku" from
Taiwan since before World War 2 and
"imported Group" from places other than
China and Taiwan. These are all mapped in
a "genealogical tree" so that their histories
may be indexed.

All varieties of '''''Kannonchiku''''' are potentially
very long lived plants and, with proper care,
have been handed down from generation
to generation of Japanese families as
"living heirlooms" and since most varieties
never grow large, these natural "bonsai"
miniature palms form part of traditional
Japanese culture and aesthetic values
Much status may be attached to the
possession of '''''Kannonchiku''''' varieties and
could be compared to the western
penchant for collecting rare coins, fine
paintings or antiques.

Because '''''Kannonchiku''''' varieties are propagated
by natural off-shoot suckers, and
not by seed, the process of producing even
small quantities of plants can take many
years, as each plant may only produce
three new off-shoots per year. To produce
new varieties from seedlings the chances
of a variegated form may be as little as 1 in
10,000 and hence the value of first class
varieties can be extremely high. In 1975 a
single choice off-set of the the new variety,
'''''Eizanniskiki''''' (Prosperous Mountain
Brocade), sold for US$10,000. In Japan,
'''''Kannonchiku''''' varieties can sell for as little
as $10 for un-acclaimed all-green varieties
to as much as $6,000 for a "first class"
registered variety if, or when, it becomes
available for purchase. Of course there are
outstanding new selections like '''''Eizannishiki'''''
which fetch enormous prices and
some, reportedly, have sold for as much
as $25,000.

'''''Kannonchiku''''' are traditionally grown in
hand made "Rakuyaki" ceramic pots which
resemble an upside-down bowler hat
having three legs. Highly decorated pots with
gold legs are called Nishiki-style with the
most expensive patterns and sizes ranging
from $350 to $700. "Wave and bird" design
pots are called Namanishiki-style and are
valued at $200-$400 and a third pot type is
Fuchikin-style black with gold rim and gold
legs and may range from $100-$200.
Another type is '''Katayaki''', or inexpensive
machine made pots, and are nowadays of
high quality plain black plastic. All
'''Rakuyaki''' pots have a large drainage hole
which is covered by a removable ceramic
mesh called "Sana". This is to give
perfect drainage.

In Japan, Nishiki, Namanishiki and
Fuchikin styles are craftsman made and
are never mass produced. Thus no two
pots are identical, making each pot an
original and a collector's item. Some
Nishiki-style are often personally signed
by the craftsman in Japanese "Kanji" or
picture script, in the same tradition as any
work of art. Hence, collecting pots can also
be a richly rewarding and profitable hobby.
Collecting '''''Kannonchiku''''' varieties and
displaying in their special pots can become an
engrossing and valuable pastime. In Australia,
at present, there are only a few of the
many Japanese registered varieties.
These are: '''''Zuikonishiki''''' (Auspicious Light
Brocade) with pure white stripes along the
leaf; '''''Ayanishiki''''' (Figured Brocade) with fine
white stripes; '''''Chiyodazuru''''' (Chiyoda
Crane) a well defined stripe pattern;
'''''Daruma''''' (Dharma) with solid green broad
leaves; and '''''Koban''''' (Gold Coin) with
rounded solid green leaves. More varieties are
being imported and, after quarantine in
Australia, will be released in years to come.
But so slow and exacting is this that they
will never become mass produced, thus
guaranteeing their continued high value.
Growing '''''Kannonchiku''''' is surprisingly simple
as they are very hardy sub-tropical
plants but will tolerate temperatures as low
as 1 degree Celsius. They are well suited to
indoor growing since '''''Kannonchiku''''' do not
like direct sunlight and will happily grow
under artificial lighting in homes and
offices. Indeed their preference for lower
light is a very good feature of '''''Kannonchiku'''''
and is one reason why they have been so
popular in Japan.
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