Acer amamiense (also known as Amami maple) is a rare species of maple in the Sapindaceae family. It is native to Amami-Oshihma, in southern Japan.[2]
| Acer amamiense | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Sapindaceae |
| Genus: | Acer |
| Section: | Acer sect. Lithocarpa |
| Species: | A. amamiense
|
| Binomial name | |
| Acer amamiense Yamazaki
| |
Description
editAcer amamiense is a round-topped, deciduous tree, growing to about 4–5 m (13–16 ft) in height in the wild.[3] New leaves are a deep purplish colour.[4] Mature leaves are five-lobed and green, turning a bright red-purple in autumn.[3] It resembles Acer diabolicum, but differs in having glabrous petioles and short-haired, rather than bristly fruit.[5] Yellow flowers are produced before the leaves open in spring, followed by brown winged fruits on female plants.[6]
Distribution and habitat
editDiscovered in 1999, Acer amamiense is considered a critically endangered species, with a very limited native range, and only a dozen specimens existing in the wild.[2] It favours acidic soil[3] and a temperate mountain habitat.[7]
References
edit- ^ Harvey-Brown, Y. (2020). "Acer amamiense". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T103451090A103452327. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T103451090A103452327.en. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
- ^ a b "New discovery fuels optimism for conserving world's most endangered maple". Forestry Journal. 2024-08-13. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
- ^ a b c "Acer amamiense | Mundi Plantarum". jardin-florilege.eu. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
- ^ "Tree of the month - May 2015 - Blog". Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum. 2020-03-18. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
- ^ "World Plants". worldplants.ca. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
- ^ "Acer amamiense | Amami maple Shrubs/RHS". www.rhs.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
- ^ "New discovery fuels optimism for conserving world's most endangered maple". Forestry Journal. 2024-08-13. Retrieved 2024-10-21.