Two subspecies of Acer buergerianum
Acer buergerianum variety formosanum, Taiwanese Trident Maple
Other common names
Chinese: tai wan san jiao feng.
Origin of the species name
Aceris from Latin and means sharp and refers to the tips of the leaves; formosanum is a variety name that refers to the island of Formosa, now Taiwan.
Family
Sapindaceae
Date planted
August 2009
Lifespan
Trees of this species are long lived.
General description
This is a small to medium, rounded deciduoustree with rough bark, leathery leaves and attractive autumn foliage. The yellow-green flowers are produced in spring but are fairly inconspicuous. The fruit are winged nuts typical on maples. Height 10m Spread 8m.
Natural distribution and habitat
This variety only occurs in two small populations in the north of the island of Taiwan where it grows in lowland evergreen forests.
Conservation status
It is classified as an endangered species that is mainly threatened by the uprooting of whole plants for ornamental use.
Planting pattern
This rare species is planted in four rows of eight trees next to River Road surrounded by the variety buergerianum host forest.
Uses
This variety is well suited to bonsai and popular for ornamental use.
Further reading
Gibbs, D and Y. Chen (2009) The Red List of Maples. Botanic Gardens Conservation International.
HOST FOREST Acer buergerianum variety buergerianum Trident Maple
Other common names
Chinese: San jiao feng = three horn maple.
Origin of the species name
Aceris from Latin and means sharp and refers to the tips of the leaves; buergerianum refers to Heinrich Bürger, the German botanist it was named after.
Family
Sapindaceae
Date planted
August 2009
Lifespan
Mature trees become less productive as they age but can live for 100 years.
General description
This is a small to medium sized rounded deciduoustree with rough bark and attractive autumn foliage. The yellow-green flowers are produced in spring but are fairly inconspicuous. The fruits are winged nuts typical on maples. Height 10m Spread 8m.
Natural distribution and habitat
This variety of the species is native to eastern China where it grows in deciduous forests from sea level to 1500m.
Conservation status
Not classified as threatened.
Planting pattern
Planted in long lines that converge and then spread, surrounding the rare Acer buergerianum variety formosanum.
Uses
It is a popular choice for bonsai and is also used as a street tree.
Further reading
Gibbs, D and Y. Chen (2009) The Red List of Maples. Botanic Gardens Conservation International.