Is this Acer japonicum?

Discussion in 'Maples' started by Soumil Yarlagadda, May 10, 2023.

  1. Soumil Yarlagadda

    Soumil Yarlagadda Well-Known Member Maple Society

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    The photos are taken near Mt kumotori in Japan. Coordinates: 35.821815, 139.019258

    Could it be Acer Japonicum, Acer shirasawanum, or Acer sieboldianum? (doubting the latter since the tree doesnt have smooth bark)
     

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  2. Acerholic

    Acerholic Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout Maple Society

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    A. japonicum native to Japan IMO Soumil.
     
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  3. maf

    maf Generous Contributor Maple Society 10 Years

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    Is it a current or recent picture, taken at this time of year? Any pictures of the flowers or fruits? Or a close-up of the leaf underside?

    If a current/recent picture, the apparent lack of downy hairs on the petioles and leaf undersides would point me in the direction of Acer shirasawanum... but better pics needed (especially flowers/fruits) for a greater degree of confidence.
     
  4. Soumil Yarlagadda

    Soumil Yarlagadda Well-Known Member Maple Society

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    it was taken june 2017. also the petioles are really long
     
  5. maf

    maf Generous Contributor Maple Society 10 Years

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    That also points to shirasawanum.

    It definitely gives me a shirasawanum vibe, but cannot say 100% for sure....
     
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  6. Soumil Yarlagadda

    Soumil Yarlagadda Well-Known Member Maple Society

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    Otherwise its a magnificent tree!
     
  7. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    All three options are native to Japan ;-)

    They have differing ranges, but I don't have detailed range maps for them. Looked up; Kumotori is in central Japan, about 60 km WNW of Tokyo, if anyone has access to detailed range maps to check against that location.
     
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  8. maf

    maf Generous Contributor Maple Society 10 Years

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    I don't have the maps either but that location is certainly north of the southern boundary of Acer japonicum's range and south of the northern boundary for both A. shirasawanum and A. sieboldianum, so all three are possible form that point of view.

    Still looks more like shirasawanum to me, especially given the long petioles.

    @Soumil Yarlagadda you have probably seen these links already but posting them just in case:

    Acer japonicum Thunberg : Hauchiwa-kaede


    Acer sieboldianum Miquel : Kohauchiwa-kaede


    Acer shirasawanum Koidzumi : Oitayameigetsu

    Hinauchiwa-kaede : Acer tenuifolium Koidzumi
     

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