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Japanese maple

Acer palmatum

Japanese acer at Paignton Zoo
IUCN Conservation Status –
Least Concern
Extinct In The Wild
Class: Plants
Order: Sapindales
Family: Sapindaceae

This popular type of acer tree is a species of woody plant native to Japan, Korea, China, eastern Mongolia and southeast Russia.

The species is a slow-growing tree that produces a stunning colour in the autumn season.

Interesting facts!

  • When fully mature, this acer can get up to 10 metres in width!
  • Japanese maples can live to be over 100 years old in the right conditions.
  • Lots of different varieties of this tree have been cultivated for their attractive colours and leaf shape.

Conservation

The Japanese acer is currently classed as being of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.