Acer pseudosieboldianum - Korean maple

Acer pseudosieboldianum, generally known as the Korean maple, belongs to the family of soap tree plants (sapindaceae). This deciduous tree species is originally native to East Asia.

Taxonomy and morphology

Acer Pseudosieboldianum was first described in the 19th century and is closely related to Japanese maple. The name refers to Philipp Franz von Siebold, a German naturalist. The Korean maple is a medium -sized tree that can reach heights of up to 10 meters. Its leaves are handled and have a dark green color that changes yellow and orange in autumn. The flowers are inconspicuous, but the fruits are small wing nut fruits that grow into dense tufts.

Ecology and habitat

The Korean maple thrives best in damp, well-permeable soils and can be found in leaves and mixed forests, on forest edges and in mountain regions. Its distribution area extends over various parts of East Asia, from Korea to China to Russia. The plant plays an important role in the ecosystem by offering habitat and food for different animals and contributing to ground stabilization.

Ecophysiology and reproduction

The reproduction of acer pseudosieboldianum is mainly through seeds contained in the wings of the fruits. These seeds are spread through the wind, whereby their wings can carry them wide. The flowers attract polliging insects that contribute to pollination and production of seeds.

Cultural meaning and use

The Korean maple is a popular ornamental tree in gardens, parks and landscapes due to its attractive appearance and autumn color. It is also cultivated as a bonsai and has a certain use in traditional medicine, where different parts of the plant are used to treat inflammation and fever.