Maple Tree

Maple tree – classification

There exists a wide range of different maple trees, all belonging to the genus Acer. Examples of well known maple tree species are Red maple tree (Acer rubrum), Rocky Mountain maple tree (Acer glabrum), Norway maple tree (Acer platanoides) and Bigleaf maple tree (Acer macrophyllum).

The formal maple tree classification is currently being discussed. Some maple tree experts want to place maple trees in a family own their own, the Aceraceae. Others prefer to place the genus Acer in the family Sapindaceae; the Soapberry family.

The name “acer” is a very old name and its origin is unknown. It may have been derived from the Latin word for sharp, “acris”. Maple tree wood is very hard and might therefore have been a popular material for spears.

Maple tree – human utilization

Wild maple trees have played an important role for humans since ancient times, and wild as well as cultivated forms of maple tree continues to be significant to use even in our modern society. Many species of maple tree sport bright leaf colouring during fall and are therefore popular as ornamental plants.

The strong wood is suitable for timber production, and the Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) is the three of choice for manufacturers of bowling alley lanes, bowling pins, butcher's blocks etcetera. Maple wood is a so called “tone wood”, which means that it carries sound waves well. It is therefore commonly used in drums, guitars and similar musical instruments.

Since the Sugar Maple mentioned above offers exceptionally hard wood, it is also referred to as Hard Maple. This maple species is however not only appreciated for its wood; it is also the maple species from which Canadians derive their famous maple syrup. The Sugar Maple is tapped for sap; the fluid used by the Sugar Maple to distribute water and nutrition in its tubules. Sap from the Sugar Maple is then boiled until it turns into maple syrup. It can also be used to make maple sugar and maple candy. Quebec is the world’s most important maple syrup centre and the Canadian flag depicts a stylized red maple leaf as a symbol of Canada.

Honey bee keepers also appreciate maple tress, since maple flowers forms an important early spring source of pollen and nectar for honeybees and other pollinators. Honeybees in many parts of the world rely on the maple tree for their spring buildup.

Maple tree – description

A majority of the maple tree species has palmately lobed leaves, but you can also find other leaf shapes. A typical maple tree leaf will have 3-9 veins; each running towards a lobe. The maple tree flowers during late winter and early spring, and some species will even flower before any leaves have appeared. A singe maple tree flower is small and not very eye-catching, but together the maple tree flowers can look really prominent; especially since they flower early in the year when few other flowers are around to compete for attention. The characteristic maple tree fruits are called “keys” and the distinctive shape will help the fruits to spin as the fall from the tree. A “key” be easily caught by the wind and transport the maple tree seeds to new areas far away from the tree.

japanese maple tree

Copyright 2006 maple-tree.info . Header picture of red maple trees in fall From http://www.landscaping.about.com , taken by David Beaulieu.
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