Maple 4649165 225178042 2008-07-12T08:42:58Z Mp 19293 Reverted edits by 24.191.39.191 and 216.71.234.63 to last version by Davecrosby uk {{Otheruses}} {{Taxobox | name = Maple | image = Acer pseudoplatanus 002.jpg | image_width = 240px | image_caption = ''Acer pseudoplatanus'' (Sycamore Maple) foliage | regnum = [[Plant]]ae | divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]] | classis = [[Magnoliopsida]] | ordo = [[Sapindales]] | familia = [[Sapindaceae]] | genus = '''''Acer''''' | genus_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]] | subdivision_ranks = Species | subdivision = See [[List of Acer species|List of ''Acer'' species]] | range_map = Map genus Acer.png | range_map_width = 240px | range_map_caption = Distribution }} '''''Acer''''' ('''maple''') is a [[genus]] of [[tree]]s or [[shrub]]s. They are variously classified in a family of their own, the [[Aceraceae]], or (together with the [[Hippocastanaceae]]) included in the family [[Sapindaceae]]. Modern classifications, including the [[Angiosperm Phylogeny Group]] classification, favour inclusion in Sapindaceae. There are approximately 125 [[species]], most of which are native to [[Asia]],{{Fact|date=May 2008}} but several species also occur in [[Europe]], northern [[Africa]], and [[North America]]. The word ''Acer'' is derived from a [[Latin language|Latin]] word meaning "sharp" (referring to the characteristic points on the leaves) and was first applied to the genus by the [[French people|French]] botanist [[Joseph Pitton de Tournefort]] in 1700. The [[type species]] of the genus is ''[[Acer pseudoplatanus]]'' (Sycamore Maple).<ref name="gelderen">van Gelderen, C. J. & van Gelderen, D. M. (1999). ''Maples for Gardens: A Color Encyclopedia''</ref> ==Morphology== [[Image:Acer saccharum.jpg|thumb|left|''[[Acer saccharum]]'' (Sugar Maple)]] Maples are mostly [[tree]]s growing to 10-40 meters (30-130 ft) in height. Others are [[shrub]]s less than 10 metres tall with a number of small [[trunk (botany)|trunks]] originating at ground level. Most species are [[deciduous]], but a few in southern Asia and the [[Mediterranean region]] are [[evergreen]]. Most are shade-tolerant when young, and are often late-successional in ecology; many of the smaller species are usually understory trees growing under the canopies of other larger trees, while the larger species eventually become dominant canopy trees. Maple [[root]] systems are typically dense and fibrous. A few species, notably ''[[Acer cappadocicum]]'', frequently produce [[root sprout]]s, which can develop into [[clonal colony|clonal colonies]].<ref name="gelderen"/> [[Image:VineMaple 7518t.jpg|thumb|''[[Acer circinatum]]'' (Vine Maple) leaves showing the palmate veining typical of most species]] Maples are distinguished by opposite [[leaf]] arrangement. The leaves in most species are [[leaf shape|palmate]] veined and lobed, with 3-9 (rarely to 13) veins each leading to a lobe, one of which is central or apical. A small number of species differ in having palmate compound, [[leaf shape|pinnate]] compound, pinnate veined or unlobed leaves. Several species, including ''[[Acer griseum]]'' (Paperbark Maple), ''[[Acer mandshuricum]]'' (Manchurian Maple), ''[[Acer maximowiczianum]]'' (Nikko Maple), and ''[[Acer triflorum]]'' (Three-flowered Maple), have trifoliate leaves. One species, ''[[Acer negundo]]'' (Manitoba Maple), has pinnately compound leaves that may be simply trifoliate or may have five, seven, or rarely nine leaflets. A few, such as ''[[Acer laevigatum]]'' and ''[[Acer carpinifolium]]'' (Hornbeam Maple), have pinnately-veined simple leaves. [[Image:Maple7951.JPG|left|thumb|''[[Acer rubrum]]'' (Red Maple) flowers]] The [[flower]]s are regular, [[symmetry (biology)#Pentamerism|pentamerous]], and borne in [[raceme]]s, [[corymb]]s, or [[umbels]]. They have four or five [[sepal]]s, four or five [[petal]]s about 1–6 mm long (absent in some species), four to ten [[stamen]]s about 6-10 mm long, and two [[pistil]]s or a pistil with two styles. The [[ovary (plants)|ovary]] is superior and has two [[carpel]]s, whose wings elongate the flowers, making it easy to tell which flowers are female. Maples flower in late [[winter]] or early [[springtime|spring]], in most species with or just after the leaves appear, but in some before them.<ref name=rhs>Huxley, A., ed. (1992). ''New RHS Dictionary of Gardening''. Macmillan ISBN 0-333-47494-5.</ref> [[Image:Maple seed pods Fcb981.JPG|thumb|right|''[[Acer platanoides]]'' (Norway Maple) samaras]] Maple flowers are green, yellow, orange or red. Though individually small, the effect of an entire tree in flower can be striking in several species. Some maples are an early spring source of [[pollen]] and [[nectar (plant)|nectar]] for [[bee]]s. The distinctive [[fruit]] are called [[samara (fruit)|samaras]] or "maple keys". These [[seed]]s occur in distinctive pairs each containing one seed enclosed in a "nutlet" attached to a flattened wing of fibrous, papery tissue. They are shaped to spin as they fall and to carry the seeds a considerable distance on the wind. Children often call them "helicopters" due to the way that they spin as they fall. Seed maturation is usually in a few weeks to six months after flowering, with seed dispersal shortly after maturity. However, one tree can release hundreds of the seeds at a time. Depending on the species, the seeds can be small and green to yellow and big with thicker seed pods. The green seeds are released in pairs, sometimes with the stems still connected. The yellow seeds are released individually and almost always without the stems. Most species require [[stratification (botany)|stratification]] in order to [[germination|germinate]], and some seeds can remain dormant in the soil for several years before germinating.<ref name="gelderen"/> The genus is subdivided by its morphology into a multitude of sections and subsections. <ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20070812014108/http://www.inh.co.jp/~hayasida/Ebunrui1.html Classification of maples]</ref> ==Pests and diseases== [[Image:RhytismaAcerinumDetailU.jpg|thumb|''Rhytisma acerinum'' fungus on ''Acer pseudoplatanus'' leaf]] The leaves are used as a food plant for the [[larva]]e of a number of [[Lepidoptera]] species (see [[List of Lepidoptera that feed on maples]]). [[Aphid]]s are also very common sap-feeders on maples. In horticultural applications a dimethoate spray will solve this. Maples are affected by a number of [[fungus|fungal]] diseases. Several are susceptible to Verticillium wilt caused by ''[[Verticillium]]'' species, which can cause significant local mortality. Sooty bark disease, caused by ''[[Cryptostroma]]'' species, can kill trees which are under stress due to [[drought]]. Death of maples can rarely be caused by ''[[Phytophthora]]'' root rot and ''[[Ganoderma]]'' root decay. Maple leaves in late summer and autumn are commonly disfigured by "tar spot" caused by ''[[Rhytisma]]'' species and [[mildew]] caused by ''[[Uncinula]]'' species, though these diseases do not usually have an adverse effect on the trees' long-term health.<ref name="phillips">Phillips, D. H. & Burdekin, D. A. (1992). ''Diseases of Forest and Ornamental Trees''. Macmillan. ISBN 0-333-49493-8.</ref> ==Uses== ===Horticulture=== [[Image:Maple between pines.jpg|thumb|left|A red Maple tree between many [[pine]] trees.]] [[Image:Acer palmatum sango kaku.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Acer palmatum]]'' (Japanese Maple) has over 1,000 [[cultivar]]s. This cultivar is ''A. palmatum'' 'Sango kaku', sometimes called "coralbark maple".]] Maples are planted as [[ornamental tree]]s by homeowners, businesses and municipalities. ''[[Acer platanoides]]'' (Norway Maple) is especially popular as it is fast-growing and extremely cold-resistant, though it is also an [[invasive species]] in some regions. Other maples, especially smaller or more unusual species, are popular as specimen trees.<ref name="gelderen"/> ====Cultivars==== Numerous maple [[cultivar]]s have been selected for particular characteristics can be [[plant propagation|propagated]] only by asexual reproduction such as cuttings, tissue culture, budding or [[grafting]]. ''[[Acer palmatum]]'' (Japanese Maple) alone has over 1,000 cultivars, most selected in Japan, and many of them no longer propagated or not in cultivation in the [[western world]]. Some delicate cultivars are usually grown in pots and rarely reach heights of more than 50-100 cm. Maple is also a key wood in the construction of percussion instruments like drum kits. Some of the best drum building companies like DW (Drum Workshop) use maple extensively throughout their mid-pro range.<ref name="gelderen"/> ====Bonsai==== [[Image:Bonsai Federahorn.jpg|thumb|left|Bonsai "Roter Federahorn"]]Maples are a popular choice for the art of [[bonsai]]. ''[[Acer palmatum]]'' (Japanese Maple), ''[[Acer buergerianum]]'' (Trident Maple), ''[[Acer ginnala]]'' (Amur Maple), ''[[Acer campestre]]'' (Field Maple) and [[Montpellier Maple]] (''A. monspessulanum'') are popular choices and respond well to techniques that encourage leaf reduction and [[ramification (botany)|ramification]], but most species can be used.<ref name="gelderen"/> ====Collections==== [[Image:Acer griseum3.jpg|thumb|''[[Acer griseum]]'' is widely grown for its decorative bark]] Maple collections, sometimes called ''aceretums'', occupy space in many gardens and [[arboretum|arboreta]] around the world including the "five great W's" in [[England]]: [[Wakehurst Place Garden]], [[Westonbirt Arboretum]], [[Windsor Great Park]], [[Winkworth Arboretum]] and [[Wisley Garden]]. In the [[United States]], the aceretum at the [[Harvard University|Harvard]]-owned [[Arnold Arboretum]] in [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]] is especially notable. In the number of species and cultivars, the [[Esveld Aceretum]] in [[Boskoop|Boskoop, Netherlands]] is the largest in the world.<ref name="gelderen"/> ===Tourism=== Many maples have bright [[autumn foliage]], and many countries have leaf-watching traditions. In [[Japan]], the custom of viewing the changing colour of maples in the autumn is called "[[momijigari]]". [[Nikko, Tochigi|Nikko]] and [[Kyoto]] are particularly favoured destinations for this activity. In addition, in Korea, the same viewing activity is called "Danpung-Nori" and [[Seoraksan]] and [[Naejang-san]] mountains are very famous places for it. The particularly spectacular fall colours of the ''[[Acer rubrum]]'' (Red Maple) are a major contributor to the seasonal landscape in southeastern [[Canada]] and in [[New England]]. [[Leaf peeping|Fall tourism]] is a boon to the economy of this region, especially in [[Quebec]], [[Vermont]], [[New Hampshire]] and [[Western Massachusetts]]. In the American [[Pacific Northwest]] and [[British Columbia]] it is the spectacular fall colours of ''[[Acer circinatum]]'' (Vine Maple) that draw tourists and photographers. ===Commercial uses=== Maples are important as source of syrup and [[wood]]. Dried wood is often used for the [[Smoking (cooking)|smoking]] of food. They are also cultivated as [[ornamental plant]]s and have benefits for [[tourism]] and [[agriculture]]. ====Maple syrup==== {{see|Maple Syrup}} The [[Sugar Maple]] (''Acer saccharum'') is tapped for [[Sap (plant)|sap]], which is then boiled to produce [[maple syrup]] or made into [[maple sugar]] or [[maple taffy]]. It takes about 40 litres of Sugar Maple sap to make a litre of syrup. Syrup can be made from closely-related species as well, but their output is inferior. Sugar maples typically have a lifespan of 300 years. ====Timber==== [[Image:curly maple bench.jpg|thumb|A bench made of highly-figured maple wood]] Some of the larger maple species have valuable [[timber]], particularly Sugar Maple in North America, and Sycamore Maple in Europe. Sugar Maple wood, often known as "hard maple", is the wood of choice for [[bowling]] pins, bowling alley lanes, pool [[Cue stick|cue shafts]], and [[butcher block|butcher's block]]s. Maple wood is also used for the production of wooden [[baseball bat]]s, though less often than [[ash (tree)|ash]] or [[hickory]] due to the tendency of maple bats to shatter when broken. Some maple wood has a highly decorative wood grain, known as [[flame maple]] and [[quilt maple]]. This condition occurs randomly in individual trees of several species, and often cannot be detected until the wood has been sawn, though it is sometimes visible in the standing tree as a rippled pattern in the bark. ===Tonewood=== Maple is considered a [[tonewood]], or a wood that carries sound waves well, and is used in numerous [[musical instrument]]s. Maple is harder and has a brighter sound than [[Mahogany]], which is the other major tonewood used in instrument manufacture. Most [[drums]] are made from maple. From the 70s to the 90s, maple drum kits were a vast majority of all drum kits made. In recent years, [[Birch]] has become popular for drums once again. Electric guitar necks are commonly made from maple. The necks of the Fender [[Stratocaster]] and [[Telecaster]] were originally an entirely maple one piece neck, but later were also available with rosewood fingerboards. Maple fingerboards have a brighter sound than rosewood. The tops of [[Gibson]]'s [[Les Paul]] guitar are made from carved maple. Many Les Pauls have quilted or flamed maple tops, and these models are particularly prized by players and collectors. Very few solid body guitars are made entirely from maple, as it is considered too heavy. Many guitars do, however, have maple tops or veneers. Gibson uses laminated maple in the manufacture of many of its semi-hollowbody guitars. Maple is also used to make [[bassoon]]s and [[double bass]]es. ====Agriculture==== As they are a major source of [[pollen]] in early spring before many other plants have flowered, maples are important to the survival of [[honeybee]]s that play a commercially-important role later in the spring and summer. ===Symbolism=== The [[flag of Canada]] depicts a stylized [[maple leaf]] and is a prominent [[national symbol]]. In the United States, the maple has been adopted by [[New York]],<ref name="ny">State of New York Dept. of State [http://www.dos.state.ny.us/kidsroom/nysfacts/stfacts.html New York State Symbols]. Retrieved Dec. 16 2006.</ref> [[Vermont]],<ref name="vt">State of Vermont Department of Libraries [http://dol.state.vt.us/www_root/000000/html/emblems/tree.htm State Tree]. Retrieved Dec. 16 2006.</ref> [[Wisconsin]]<ref name="wi">State of Wisconsin [http://www.wisconsin.gov/state/core/wisconsin_state_symbols.html State Symbols]. Retrieved Dec. 16 2006.</ref> and [[West Virginia]].<ref name="wv">Legislature of West Virginia [http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Educational/Kids_Page/4.html State Symbols]. Retrieved Dec. 16 2006.</ref> The Red Maple was adopted by [[Rhode Island]] <ref name="ri">State of Rhode Island, Office of the Secretary of State. [http://www.sec.state.ri.us/library/riinfo/riinfo/knowrhode History And Facts About The Ocean State]. Retrieved Dec. 16 2006.</ref>as their official [[state tree]]. <gallery> Image:Acer cappadocicum spring.jpg|''[[Acer cappadocicum]]'' (Cappadocian Maple) Image:Acer carpinifolium.jpg|''[[Acer carpinifolium]]'' leaves Image:Paperbark Maple Acer griseum Leaves Closeup 2856px.jpg|''[[Acer griseum]]'' compound (trifoliate) leaf Image:BigleafMaple 0304.jpg|''[[Acer macrophyllum]]'' flowers and young leaves Image:Acer laevigatum 3.jpg|''[[Acer laevigatum]]'' leaves and fruit Image:Acer sempervirens leaves.jpg|''[[Acer sempervirens]]'' foliage Image:Acer ginnala.jpg|''[[Acer ginnala]]'' foliage Image:redmaple.jpg|''[[Acer rubrum]]'' trees in autumn Image:TenryujiMomiji.jpg|''[[Acer palmatum]]'' trees and bamboo in Japan Image:Bi-colored Maple Tree.jpg|''[[Acer grandidentatum]]'' in autumn colour Image:Maple leaf Fcb981.JPG|''[[Acer platanoides]]'' leaf Image:Red maple leaf.jpg|''[[Acer palmatum]]'' leaf in [[autumn]] </gallery> ==References== {{commonscat|Acer}} {{reflist}} [[Category:Acer| ]] [[Category:Sapindaceae]] [[be:Клён]] [[bs:Javor]] [[bg:Явор]] [[ca:Acer (gènere)]] [[cs:Javor]] [[da:Løn-slægten]] [[de:Ahorne]] [[es:Acer (botánica)]] [[eo:Acero]] [[eu:Astigar]] [[fr:Érable]] [[ko:단풍나무속]] [[hsb:Klon]] [[hr:Javor]] [[is:Hlynir]] [[it:Acer]] [[he:אדר (עץ)]] [[lt:Klevas]] [[hu:Juhar]] [[nl:Esdoorn]] [[nds-nl:Plataan (Acer)]] [[ja:カエデ]] [[no:Lønner]] [[nn:Lønn]] [[pl:Klon (roślina)]] [[pt:Bordo]] [[ro:Acer]] [[qu:Arsi]] [[ru:Клён]] [[simple:Maple]] [[sk:Javor]] [[sl:Javor]] [[sr:Јавор]] [[fi:Vaahterat]] [[sv:Lönnsläktet]] [[th:เมเปิล]] [[vi:Chi Phong]] [[tr:Akçaağaç]] [[uk:Клен]] [[zh:枫]]