Acer amamiense
Acer amamiense is a species of maple in the Sapindaceae family. It is native to Amami-Oshihma, in southern Japan.
Description
Acer amamiense is a round-topped, deciduous tree, growing to about in height in the wild. New leaves are a deep purplish colour. Mature leaves are five-lobed and green, turning a bright red-purple in autumn. It resembles Acer diabolicum, but differs in having glabrous petioles and short-haired, rather than bristly fruit. Yellow flowers are produced before the leaves open in spring, followed by brown winged fruits on female plants.
Distribution and habitat
Discovered in 1999, Acer amamiense is considered a critically endangered species, with a very limited native range, and only a dozen specimens existing in the wild. It favours acidic soil and a temperate mountain habitat.