Review Notes: Acer palmatum is a deciduous shrub or small tree reaching heights of 610 m, rarely 16 m, often growing as an understory plant in shady woodlands. It may have multiple trunks joining close to the ground. In habit, it is often shaped like an upside-down pyramid (especially when younger) or takes on a dome-like form, especially when mature.[2] The leaves are 412 cm long and wide, palmately lobed with five, seven, or nine acutely pointed lobes. The flowers are produced in small cymes, the individual flowers with five red or purple sepals and five whitish petals. The fruit is a pair of winged samaras, each samara 23 cm long with a 68 mm seed. The seeds of Japanese maple and similar species require stratification in order to germinate.
Even in nature, Acer palmatum displays considerable genetic variation. As such, even seedlings with the same parent tree can show difference in such aspects as leaf size and shape, and colour.
Three subspecies are recognised
Acer palmatum subsp. palmatum. Leaves small, 47 cm wide, with five or seven lobes and double-serrate margins; seed wings 1015 mm. Lower altitudes throughout central and southern Japan (not Hokkaido).90
Acer palmatum subsp. amoenum (Carriθre) H.Hara. Leaves larger, 612 cm wide, with seven or nine lobes and single-serrate margins; seed wings 2025 mm. Higher altitudes throughout Japan and South Korea.
Acer palmatum subsp. matsumurae Koidz. Leaves larger, 612 cm wide, with seven (rarely five or nine) lobes and double-serrate margins; seed wings 1525 mm. Higher altitudes throughout Japan.
Cultivation and uses
This Japanese Maple shows a dome-like shape.Japanese Maple has been grown in temperate areas around the world since the 1800s and has been cultivated in Japan for centuries. Numerous cultivars are readily available commercially and are a popular item at garden centres and other retail stores in Europe and North America. Red-leafed cultivars are the most popular, followed by cascading green shrubs with deeply dissected leaves. It is also a popular and appropriate choice for bonsai enthusiasts and has been used throughout the history of the art.
Growing conditions
Fall Maples in Nara JapanAcer palmatum includes hundreds of named cultivars with countless forms, colors, leaf types, sizes and preferred growing conditions. Heights of mature specimens can range from .5 m to 25 m, depending on type. Some tolerate sun and others like shade. Almost all are adaptable and blend well with companion plants. The trees are particularly suitable for borders and ornamental paths because the root systems are compact and not invasive. Well drained soil is preferred and the trees grow strongest when not over-fertilized. Many varieties of acer palmatum are successfully grown in containers.
Supplied Height Approx 12" 3.50 + P&P
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Plant Type:- Tree
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