Kusamono and shitakusa
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Kusamono_with_fern_and_strawberry%2C_side_view%2C_4_July_2009.jpg/220px-Kusamono_with_fern_and_strawberry%2C_side_view%2C_4_July_2009.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/Bonsai_display_with_Seiju_elm%2C_miniature_hosta_and_hanging_scroll%2C_12_July_2009.jpg/220px-Bonsai_display_with_Seiju_elm%2C_miniature_hosta_and_hanging_scroll%2C_12_July_2009.jpg)
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "BSSF: Bonsai Society of San Francisco » Shikatusa, companion plantings". www.bssf.org. Retrieved March 27, 2011.
External links[edit]
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