Acer cissifolium - Vine-leafed maple

Acer cissifolium, also known as vine-leafed maple, is a deciduous maple species from the family of Sapindaceae. The plant is native to Japan and thrives mainly in mountain forests, where it occurs at altitudes of up to 1,500 meters. Their unusual leaves, which are more reminiscent of wine vines than Ahorn, make them a botanical and aesthetically interesting choice for garden and parks. The species is primarily valued for its delicate growth form and the impressive autumn color.

Morphology and appearance

Acer cissifolium grows as a small to medium -sized tree and reaches a height of 8 to 12 meters. The trunk is relatively slim and the crown of the tree is loosely branched, which gives the tree an elegant and filigree appearance. The bark is colored smooth and gray to gray -brown. With increasing age, she occasionally shows fine furrows and becomes slightly rough.

The leaves of the vine-leafed maple are arranged and consist of three individual leaves, which is rather atypical for the genus Acer. This arrangement is reminiscent of wine leaves, which contributed to the further naming "Weinblatt-Hahorn". The leaves are elliptical to egg -shaped and have a dark green color. You can reach a length of 6 to 12 centimeters and have smooth edges. In autumn, the leaves turn into bright yellow and red tones, which makes the plant a decorative highlight in autumn gardens and landscapes.

In spring, Acer cissifolium developed inconspicuous, greenish-yellow flowers that grow in upright grapes. The flowers are distributed two houses, which means that there are both male and female flowers on different individuals. The seeds typical of ahorne develop from the female flowers, which are at a pointed angle and are spread through the wind.

Distribution and habitat

Acer cissifolium is widespread in the moderate forests of Japan and occurs on the islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. The plant prefers to thrive in light mountain forests and damp, well -permeable soils. There it often grows in the company of other Japanese trees such as the Japanese beech (Fagus crenata) and the Japanese Zelkove (Zelkova serrata).

In Europe and North America, Acer cissifolium is increasingly cultivated as an ornamental treble due to its decorative properties. The species is a frost hardy and adaptable, but requires moist and humus -rich soils to thrive optimally. Especially in moderate climates with sufficient precipitation, the vine-leafed maple finds good growth conditions.

Ecological meaning

Acer cissifolium plays an important role in the ecosystem in its natural distribution area. The flowers are a valuable source of food for different types of insects, including bees and butterflies that use the nectar. The winged seeds are spread by the wind and thus contribute to the natural rejuvenation of the stocks. In domestic forests, the vine-leafed maple also offers habitat for numerous animal species that use the dense leaves as protection.

Due to its adaptability to different climate conditions and its resistance to diseases, Acer cissifolium is considered easy to care for and robust. In cultures outside of its original area, he also does not hold an invasive danger and does not displace domestic species, which makes him ideal for use in parks and public gardens.

Care and cultivation

Acer cissifolium is relatively undemanding and is easy to cultivate. The tree prefers well permeable, humus -rich and moist soils. A sunny to partially shaded location is ideal for growth and leaf turning in autumn. In dry periods, the vine-leafed maple requires additional irrigation, since the leaves can quickly wither when there is a lack of water.

The tree is a frost hardy and does not require special winter protection, which makes it particularly suitable for regions with moderate climate. Due to its slow growth and the low end height, Acer cissifolium is ideal for smaller gardens, inner courtyards or as under plantation in larger trees. The plant requires little cutting care and naturally forms a harmonious shape, which only has to be optimized occasionally by elimination cuts.

Use and cultural importance

In Japan, Acer cissifolium is estimated in traditional garden design because it fits harmoniously into Japanese landscapes due to its shape and autumn color. In western garden culture, the vine-leafed maple is particularly popular because of its atypical foliage and its intensive autumn color.

Although Acer cissifolium has no medical or economic importance, it is becoming increasingly popular than decorative trees. It is often planted in botanical gardens and arborets in order to present the variety of maple species and bring visitors closer to the peculiarities of this unusual way.