Acer opalus aka Italian Maple

Acer opalus, also known as the Italian maple, is a deciduous tree native to southern and western Europe, including Italy, Spain, southern Germany, and parts of northwest Africa. In its native range, it can reach heights of up to 25m, although it is often smaller when cultivated. The leaves of Acer opalus are broad, shallowly 5-lobed, slightly glossy green, and sometimes downy on the undersides. In early spring, clusters of small yellow flowers bloom before the leaves, followed by winged seeds that may have a silvery pink tint. During autumn, the leaves turn yellow and rusty orange in color. The Italian maple can have the appearance of a small tree, growing up to 7m in height, but it commonly forms a dense, branching bush. The twigs of this species are hairy when young. The deciduous leaves are opposite on the twigs, palmate-shaped, and up to 13cm long with 5 shallow, rounded lobes. They are leathery and shiny on the upper side, while the underside is more opaque. The inconspicuous greenish flowers emerge in groups between March and April. The fruits, called samaras or keys, form in pairs at an angle of 90° or less. Flora Iberica distinguishes two general types of Acer opalus: Acer opalus Mill. subsp. granatense (Boiss.) Font Quer & Rothm., which has leaf blades measuring 2.5-8cm long with deeper lobes and a fairly hairy underside, and Acer opalus Mill. subsp. opalus, which has leaf blades measuring 3-13cm long with shallower lobes. The underside of adult leaves is either hairless or hairy only on the principal veins. This species can be found in small pure woodlands or mixed with other trees and prefers limestone soils. It can be seen growing on stony substrates, in hedgerows, cool shady areas in humid forests, and well-developed soil. Acer opalus is tolerant of cold temperatures similar to the Montpellier maple (Acer monspessulanum L.), but it does not thrive in dry conditions. Its natural habitat ranges from altitudes of 200-300m to 2100m. Acer opalus is found in southern Europe, Asia Minor, Persia, and northern Africa. In the Iberian Peninsula, the subspecies opalus is native to the northeastern provinces, while the subspecies granatense is found in the south and Majorca.