Family: Sapindaceae
Species: Acer palmatum Thunb. 1784
Etymology: Its name derives from the Latin Acer, meaning “sharp” or “pointed,” alluding to the shape of the leaf blade. This is how Carl Linnaeus classified it in his 1753 work, Species Plantarum, where many plants were first documented. Leaves of A. palmatum have been found in fossils dating back 9 million years. Three-quarters of this genus are native to the Asian continent.
Description
A. palmatum is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach 6–10 metres in height and ,sometimes up to 16 metres.
Its leaves are deciduous, opposite, and palmate-lobed, typically with 5–7 (or 9) deep lobes. Each leaf blade generally measures around 3.5–6 cm in length and 3–7 cm in width.
The bark of maples is deep brown initially, turning grey as the tree ages. In many species, it is thin, making them susceptible to dehydration.
The flowers are unisexual or hermaphrodite, arranged in corymb inflorescences, and are not very prominent. They bloom in March–April before vegetative growth resumes. Each flower has 5 sepals (purple, yellow, or green) and five petals. In general, maple flowering is not especially showy, although some species bloom before their leaves emerge, making the blossoms more conspicuous.
The fruits are long-stalked, markedly divergent samaras that ripen in late summer. The seed is 5–8 mm in size.
Habitat
The Japanese maple is a shrub native to the Far East (Japan and Korea).
Notes and Curiosities
This Japanese ornamental plant is widely treasured for its continuous, spectacular transformations following the rhythm of the seasons: from tender spring shoots to luxuriant summer foliage, then on to glorious autumnal shifts in hue—ranging from green to fiery red, yellow, or variegated pink and white. Equally striking is its elegant, unmistakable branching, revealed when the leaves have fallen.
It should be shielded from the harshest summer sun to avoid damaging its splendid foliage. Nevertheless, do not remove it entirely from sunlight in autumn, as exposure enhances the leaf colouration. Although it tolerates low temperatures well in winter, protecting the root system from frost is prudent.
Maples have been cultivated in European gardens since the 19th century, whereas in the Far East, they were refined for centuries to grace and enrich noble gardens. Regular expeditions were carried out to observe wild maples and search for new species to bring into cultivation. Many varieties bear Japanese names such as “coral tower” or “dancing peacock.”
These trees adapt well to cultivation in Italy as well. They thrive in sunny or partially shaded areas, possibly at the foot of taller shrubs for shelter. Acer palmatum is among the smallest of our native maples. It is popular in gardens, grown in many varieties, and endures cold climates, though best placed where it is sheltered from wind.
It is easy to integrate this plant into the Heller Garden. Indeed, one can observe numerous forms differing in shape and size. Some remain between 50 and 80 cm in height and have been strategically positioned in flowerbeds to serve as a backdrop to the magnificent statues that bring the garden to life.