Acer caudatifolium aka Caudate Maple

Taxonomy

Acer caudatifolium is an Asian species of maple found only in Taiwan. It is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach up to 12 meters in cultivation, but potentially up to 20 meters in the wild. The tree has dense branching and smooth green to reddish-green bark with faint white stripes. Its leaves are dull green, paler on the undersides, and usually unlobed, although they may have three shallow lobes. The leaves are narrow ovate, up to 11 cm long by 4.5 cm wide, with serrated margins. In autumn, the leaves turn shades of red, orange, and yellow. During spring, the tree produces racemes of small purple to white flowers, followed by reddish winged fruits in autumn that mature to yellow. A. caudatifolium is known for its tender nature when young, but it increases in hardiness when established. It thrives best in mild, moist conditions and is often found in mild maritime climates. It can be planted as an understorey tree in areas with a high canopy. A good specimen of the tree can be found at Hergest Croft, and it also flourishes in the milder parts of the Pacific Northwest. However, it is not successful in harsh continental climates. A young tree is growing well at the JC Raulston Arboretum, although it suffers from annual dieback on the long unripened summer growths.

Common names

Caudate Maple, Acer Japonicum Insulare, Acer Kawakamii, Acer Kawakamii Taitonmontanum, Acer Morrisonense

How to care for Caudate Maple

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Caudate Maple, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

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

Soil

If you're planting Caudate 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 Acer Ovatifolium 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 Caudate Maple will thrive!

Lighting

Caudate 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 Acer Kawakamii Taitonmontanum 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 Caudate 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