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Acer diabolicum

Scientific Name: Acer diabolicum

Family: Aceraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Acer diabolicum: The Devil Maple

Acer diabolicum, commonly known as the Devil Maple or Horned Maple, is a rare and attractive maple tree native to the southern mountain forests of Japan.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is aptly named for the spur-like "horn" that curls up at the seed coat base.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acer diabolicum Blume ex K.Koch
  • Common Names: Devil Maple, Horned Maple
  • Family: Sapindaceae (Maple Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms:
    • Acer pulchrum Van Houtte 1867
    • Acer diabolicum f. purpurascens (Franch. et Sav.) Rehder 1914

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the southern mountain forests of Japan.
  • Found in locations such as Fukushima, Japan.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Deciduous tree.
  • Typically grows to a height of 20-30 feet.
  • Rounded habit.
  • The fruit (samara) is a distinguishing feature.

Subspecies and Varieties

  • Acer diabolicum subsp. barbinerve (Maxim. ex Miq.) Wesm.
  • Acer diabolicum var. purpurascens
  • Acer diabolicum ssp. sinopurpurascens
  • Acer diabolicum f. purpurascens

Genetic Information

  • Has a DNA sequence identified as Acer diabolicum DNA, trnL-trnF intergenic spacer, partial sequence 317 bp linear DNA AB872643.1 GI:674274679.
  • Also has a trnL gene (tRNA-Leu).

Cultivation

  • Thrives in moist, humus-rich soil.
  • Prefers partial shade to full sun.
  • Suitable for zones 5-9.

Resources

  • Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) provides information on Acer diabolicum.
  • Vascular Plant Specimen Database of Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History contains occurrence records.
  • B and T World Seeds offers seeds of Acer diabolicum.