The Japanese phrase "Bon-sai," which is sometimes miswritten as "bonzai" or "banzai," literally translates to "placed in a container." A traditional Chinese horticulture technique inspired this art style that Japanese Zen Buddhism later modified.
It has existed for well over a millennium. Growing a bonsai is ultimately intended to provide a miniature yet accurate reflection of nature in the shape of a tree. Bonsai trees can be produced from any kind of tree; they are not genetically shrunken plants.
Synonyms: potted plants, hachiue
