Changes

|origin=Japan, Korea

|origin=Japan, Korea

|lifespan=perennial

|lifespan=perennial

|Min Temp Num=-35

|Min Temp Num=-35

|Temp Metric=°C

|Temp Metric=°C

|image_width=240

|image_width=240

}}

}}

'''''Acer palmatum''''', called '''Japanese Maple''' or '''Smooth Japanese Maple''' is a species of woody plant native to [[Japan]], [[Korea]] and [[China]].<ref name=grin>Germplasm Resources Information Network: [http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?1187 ''Acer palmatum'']</ref> Many different [[cultivar]]s of this [[maple]] have been selected and they are commonly grown in other parts of the world  too, for their attractive leaf shapes and colors. They are highly sought after and are relatively costly trees given the size.<ref>http://www.artificialplantsandtrees.com/Interior_Decor/Discover_Maple_Trees/discover_maple_trees.html</ref>

'''''Acer palmatum''''', called '''Japanese Maple''' or '''Smooth Japanese Maple''' is a species of woody plant native to [[Japan]], [[Korea]] and [[China]].<ref name=grin>Germplasm Resources Information Network: [http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?1187 ''Acer palmatum'']</ref> Many different [[cultivar]]s of this [[maple]] have been selected and they are commonly grown in other parts of the world  too, for their attractive leaf shapes and colors. They are highly sought after and are relatively costly trees given the size.<ref>http://www.artificialplantsandtrees.com/Interior_Decor/Discover_Maple_Trees/discover_maple_trees.html</ref>

''Acer palmatum'' is a [[deciduous]] [[shrub]] or small [[tree]] reaching heights of 6–10 m, rarely 16 m, often growing as an understory plant in shady [[woodlands]]. It may have multiple trunks joining close to the ground. In habit, it is often shaped like an upside-down [[circle]] (especially when younger) or takes on a [[dome]]-like form, especially when mature.<ref name="gelderen">van Gelderen, C.J. & van Gelderen, D.M. (1999). ''Maples for Gardens: A Color Encyclopedia''.</ref> The [[leaf|leaves]] are 4–12 cm long and wide, palmately lobed with five, seven, or nine acutely pointed lobes. The [[flower]]s are produced in small [[Cyme (botany)|cymes]], the individual flowers with five red or purple sepals and five whitish petals. The [[fruit]] is a pair of winged [[samara (fruit)|samaras]], each samara 2–3 cm long with a 6–8 mm seed. The seeds of Japanese maple and similar [[species]] require [[stratification (botany)|stratification]] in order to [[germinate]].<ref name="gelderen"/><ref name=rushforth>Rushforth, K. (1999). ''Trees of Britain and Europe''. Collins ISBN 0-00-220013-9.</ref>

''Acer palmatum'' is a [[deciduous]] [[shrub]] or small [[tree]] reaching heights of 6–10 m, rarely 16 m, often growing as an understory plant in shady [[woodlands]]. It may have multiple trunks joining close to the ground. In habit, it is often shaped like an upside-down [[circle]] (especially when younger) or takes on a [[dome]]-like form, especially when mature.<ref name=&quot;gelderen&quot;>van Gelderen, C.J. & van Gelderen, D.M. (1999). ''Maples for Gardens: A Color Encyclopedia''.</ref> The [[leaf|leaves]] are 4–12 cm long and wide, palmately lobed with five, seven, or nine acutely pointed lobes. The [[flower]]s are produced in small [[Cyme (botany)|cymes]], the individual flowers with five red or purple sepals and five whitish petals. The [[fruit]] is a pair of winged [[samara (fruit)|samaras]], each samara 2–3 cm long with a 6–8 mm seed. The seeds of Japanese maple and similar [[species]] require [[stratification (botany)|stratification]] in order to [[germinate]].<ref name=&quot;gelderen&quot;/><ref name=rushforth>Rushforth, K. (1999). ''Trees of Britain and Europe''. Collins ISBN 0-00-220013-9.</ref>

Even in nature, ''Acer palmatum'' displays considerable [[genetic variation]]. As such, even [[seedling]]s with the same parent tree can show difference in such aspects as leaf size and shape, and colour.<ref name="gelderen"/>

Even in nature, ''Acer palmatum'' displays considerable [[genetic variation]]. As such, even [[seedling]]s with the same parent tree can show difference in such aspects as leaf size and shape, and colour.<ref name=&quot;gelderen&quot;/>

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