Acer cappadocicum aka Cappadocian Maple

Taxonomy

Genus Acer Family Sapindaceae Order Sapindales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Acer cappadocicum, also known as the Cappadocian maple, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to Asia. It can be found from central Turkey (ancient Cappadocia) all the way to southwestern China, along the Caucasus and the Himalayas. This tree has a broad, rounded crown and reaches a height of 20-30 m. Its leaves are opposite and palmately lobed with 5-7 lobes, measuring 6-15 cm across. When young, the leaves are bright yellow, turning green in summer and yellow in autumn. The leaf stems release a milky latex when broken. In early spring, the tree produces small yellow-green flowers in corymbs of 15-30. Each flower has five petals measuring 3-4 mm long. The fruit of Acer cappadocicum is a double samara with two winged seeds. The seeds are disc-shaped, flattened, and measure 6-11 mm across and 2-3 mm thick. The wings are widely spread, reaching a 180° angle and measuring 2.5-3 cm long. The bark of young trees is smooth and greenish-grey, becoming shallowly grooved as the tree matures. The leaves of this maple species are thin and mostly seven-lobed, ranging from 5 to 14 cm in width. They have a matte dark green top and a shiny light green bottom, with a network of veins. The edges of the leaves are smooth, and the petiole (leaf stalk) measures 5-15 cm in length, secreting milky juice when broken. During blooming, the leaves display a fresh light green color, transitioning to golden yellow or red in autumn. Acer cappadocicum is a monoecious plant, meaning it has both male and female flowers. The light yellow flowers are arranged in small, wide, upright umbrellas, with 15-20 flowers per umbrella. Each flower consists of five sepals and five petals. Male flowers possess eight stamens, while female flowers have two pistils. The tree blooms in late May. The fruit of Acer cappadocicum is a paired samara with wings measuring 3-5 cm long, positioned at a wide angle.

Common names

Cappadocian Maple, Caucasian Maple, Coliseum Maple

How to care for Cappadocian Maple

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Cappadocian Maple is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Cappadocian Maple should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Cappadocian Maple, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Caucasian Maple is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Cappadocian Maple will thrive!

Lighting

Cappadocian Maple requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Caucasian Maple is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

The Cappadocian Maple is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Acer Genus

Acer campestre Field Maple

Acer macrophyllum Bigleaf Maple

Acer griseum Paperbark Maple

Acer grandidentatum Bigtooth Maple

Acer caesium Indian Maple

Acer acuminatum

Acer tataricum Tatarian Maple

Acer pictum The Painted Maple

Acer pentaphyllum Five Lobe Maple

Acer saccharum Sugar Maple