Mame Bonsai of Carmona microphylla, Malpighia, fukien tea tree with beautiful small white flowers

Carmona microphylla, commonly known as Fukien Tea and Malpighia makes an excellent subject for mame bonsai due to its tiny leaves, attractive white flowers, and compact growth habit.

Mame bonsai are the smallest size category, typically under 10 cm tall, and this species thrives in such miniature form with proper care.

Carmona microphylla is a small‑leaved evergreen shrub widely grown as an indoor bonsai, commonly known as Fukien tea or Fukien tea tree (also called 福建茶 in Chinese).

Basic plant profile
Family and status: Member of the Boraginaceae family; often treated now under the genus Ehretia as Ehretia microphylla, but still widely sold as Carmona microphylla.

Origin: Native to southern China and parts of Southeast Asia, including Taiwan, Indonesia, and some Pacific islands.

Growth form: Tropical evergreen shrub that naturally forms a dense, compact bush, very suitable for bonsai and topiary.

Leaves, flowers, and fruits
Leaves: Small (about 1–3 cm), dark green, oval, and shiny, with a slightly rough or hairy upper surface; they make the foliage look very fine‑textured.

Flowers: Tiny white, fragrant flowers that appear in clusters; with good light, it can bloom almost year‑round indoors.

Fruits: Small berries that start green, then turn yellow or red‑orange; they are not edible.

Why it is popular in bonsai
The small leaves, dense branching, and smooth clean trunk make it ideal for mini‑bonsai and tropical indoor bonsai collections.

It responds well to pruning and pinching, encouraging fine ramification and low, compact crowns.

Key care tips (for Delhi‑type conditions)
Light: Needs bright, indirect light (south‑ or east‑facing window or balcony with morning sun); avoid harsh midday Delhi sun in summer.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering slightly in winter and in very dry indoor rooms. Water with soft water if possible, since hard water can cause leaf chlorosis.

Humidity: Enjoys higher humidity; misting or a humidity tray helps in dry, air‑conditioned rooms.

Temperature: Keep above about 12–15°C; it does not tolerate frost, so avoid winter nights on open, cold balconies.

If you tell me whether you already have one in pot/bonsai or are thinking of buying, I can give you a tailored care sheet (including fertilizing, pruning, and pest‑watch tips) for your Delhi climate.