Ukurundu Maple (Acer ukurunduense) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Ukurundu maple is an East Asian maple whose flower clusters stand upright at the ends of its branches. Its leaves usually have five lobes, toothed edges, and a soft, hairy underside.

Appearance

Growth form: It is a small tree or large shrub, typically about 20–30 ft (6–9 m) tall when mature.
Leaves: The usually five-lobed leaves have toothed edges and a soft, hairy underside.
Flowers: Small flowers stand in upright clusters at branch tips.
Fruit: Each fruit has a wing; the paired wings point nearly upward.

Look-alikes

Mountain mapleAcer spicatum

Both have upright flower clusters. Ukurundu maple usually has five-lobed leaves with a hairy underside, while mountain maple (Acer spicatum) leaves are usually three-lobed.

Why they get mixed upThe North American mountain maple is a close relative with similar flower clusters.

Where it lives

Range: It is native to northeastern Asia and Japan.

Name and classification

About the name: It was also called Acer caudatum subsp. ukurunduense.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

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