Acer Davidii - Davids -Horn

Acer Davidii, generally known as David-Horn or snake skin, belongs to the family of soap tree family (sapindaceae). This deciduous plant is native to East Asia and is characterized by its elegant appearance, its diverse ecological functions and its use in garden design.

Taxonomy and morphology

Acer Davidii was named in honor of the French missionary and botanist Père Armand David, who discovered the species in China in the 19th century. This medium -sized tree species can reach heights of up to 15 meters and has a slim, upright growth form. The leaves of Acer Davidii are arranged and have a characteristic snake -like pattern on the underside. In autumn, the leaves turn into bright colors from yellow to red, which contributes to their popularity in the autumn landscape design.

Ecology and habitat

Acer Davidii prefers moist, well-permeable soils and can be found in leaf and mixed forests, on forest edges and in mountain regions. This plant is widespread in various parts of East Asia, from China to Taiwan to Nepal and Bhutan. It plays an important role in the ecosystem by offering the habitat and food for different animals and contributing to stabilizing slopes and bank browsing.

Ecophysiology and reproduction

The reproduction of Acer Davidii is mainly through seeds contained in the wings of the fruits. These seeds are spread through the wind and can cover large distances. The flowers of Acer Davidii are small and inconspicuous, but still attract polligating insects that contribute to pollination.

Cultural meaning and use

David-Horn has a long history in garden design and is often grown because of its attractive leaf pattern and its autumn color. He is a popular choice for avenues, parks and private gardens. In addition, Acer Davidii also has some uses in traditional Chinese medicine, where various parts of the plant are used to treat fever, pain and other symptoms.