Acer caesium aka Indian Maple

Acer caesium, or Himalayan maple, is a deciduous tree. It belongs to the soapberry family, Sapindaceae. Its native range runs from eastern Afghanistan into China. This includes northern and east-central parts of China. It grows in temperate regions and is not native to Britain or Ireland. Plants For A Future records it in several Chinese provinces, including Sichuan and Yunnan.

The tree reaches about 49 feet [15 metres] in height. It grows in open ground, including land used for grazing. Scattered trees also grow in conifer woods in Kashmir. There, records place it at 7,874–12,467 feet [2,400–3,800 metres] above sea level. It flowers in April. Male and female flowers occur on the same tree, but each flower has just one sex.

In gardens, it prefers moist soil that drains well. Choose a sunny site, though it also accepts some shade. Suitable settings include woodland gardens, sunny edges, and lightly shaded ground. It grows in sandy soil, loam, and heavy clay. Mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils all suit it. Plants For A Future describes it as easy to grow. The source lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9. It reports no weed potential and no known hazards. No edible uses are known.

Its wood has a fine grain and varies in hardness. People use it at times for carved items, bowls, and cups. Leaves serve as packing around apples and root crops to help preserve them. In Nepal, people apply bark juice to swellings, boils, and pimples. This is a record of traditional use, not proof of medical benefit. Plants For A Future gives its medicinal value a low rating.

Growers can raise new trees from seed in a cold frame. Fresh, ripe seed sown at once may sprout the next spring. Stored seed needs a day-long soak, followed by two to four months of cold treatment. Germination can take time. Fully formed seed can also be sown before it dries. Seed gathered too early may fail or yield weak plants. Grow seedlings in separate pots before planting them out. The source advises waiting until they reach about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] tall.