Botanical Name: Acer ginnala
Family: Sapindaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Sapindales
Genus: Acer
Section:Acer sect. Ginnala
Species: A. ginnala
Common Name: Amur,Amur Maple, Maple
Habitat: Acer ginnala is native to northeastern Asia from easternmost Mongolia east to Korea and Japan, and north to the Russian Far East in the Amur River valley. Found in many habitats in Korea, especially along streamsides and swampy places. Forests at elevations of 100 – 800 metres in China
Description:
Acer ginnala is a deciduous spreading shrub or small tree growing to 3–10 m tall, with a short trunk up to 20–40 cm (8–16 in) diameter and slender branches. The bark is thin, dull gray-brown, and smooth at first but becoming shallowly fissured on old plants. The leaves are opposite and simple, 4–10 cm long and 3–6 cm wide, deeply palmately lobed with three or five lobes, of which two small basal lobes (sometimes absent) and three larger apical lobes; the lobes are coarsely and irregularly toothed, and the upper leaf surface glossy. The leaves turn brilliant orange to red in autumn, and are on slender, often pink-tinged, petioles 3–5 cm long. The flowers are yellow-green, 5–8 mm diameter, produced in spreading panicles in spring as the leaves open. The fruit is a paired reddish samara, 8–10 mm long with a 1.5–2 cm wing, maturing in late summer to early autumn.
Cultivation:
Of easy cultivation, it prefers a good moist well-drained soil on the acid side. Prefers a sunny position but tolerates some shade. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Chlorosis can sometimes develop as a result of iron deficiency when the plants are grown in alkaline soils, but in general maples are not fussy as to soil pH. A very ornamental tree[1], there are some named varieties. The form ‘Bailey Compact’ is a compact form originating in N. America. Very closely related to and possibly only a ssp. of A. tataricum. The dried leaves are exported to China in large quantities for their use as a dye. Most maples are bad companion plants, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants.
Edible Uses: The young leaves are used as a tea substitute.
Medicinal Uses: Not known to us.
Other Uses:
Acer ginnala is grown as an ornamental plant in northern regions of Europe and North America.
The leaves are packed around apples, rootcrops etc to help preserve them. Black, blue and brown dyes are obtained from the dried leaves. The leaves contain the dyestuff quercetin. They also contain about 30% tannin.
It is also valued in Japan and elsewhere as a species suitable for bonsai.It is a nonnative invasive species in parts of northern Americ.
Planted on exceptional sites facing south west with consistent moisture and light loamy soils, this tree can grow 3 to 4 feet per year making it a fast grower. It is often planted as a shrub along borders.
Black, blue, and brown dyes were obtained and dried from the leaves.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_ginnala
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Acer+ginnala
