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Maple (Acer)π
Acer
γ«γ¨γ
The collective name for deciduous trees and shrubs in genus Acer, soapberry family. About 160 species worldwide, mostly in the temperate Northern Hemisphere; ~25 native to Japan. The Japanese name 'kaede' derives from 'kaeru-de' (frog's hand), describing the leaf shape. Maples are iconic for autumn colour and have long been subjects of Japanese poetry and painting. Characterised by winged fruits (samaras). The sap of sugar maple (A. saccharum, North America) is the source of maple syrup.
Identification Points
- βOpposite palmate leaves with 3β7 lobes
- βPaired winged samaras (propeller-like)
- βRed, orange, and yellow autumn foliage
Habitat
Temperate forests
Season
October to December (autumn colour)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Palmate
Growth form
Tree
Evergreen/Deciduous
Deciduous
Habitat
Forest
Phylogenetic Positionγ γ―γγΈη§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Sapindales > Sapindaceae
Divergence Era
Late Cretaceous to Paleogene
Sources & References
AI-generated, needs verification