Family: Sapindaceae
Author: Wall.
Bibliography: Pl. Asiat. Rar. 2: 4 (1830)
Year: 1830
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Acer
Vegetable: False
Observations: Himalaya to N. & EC. China and N. Myanmar
Description
The Tail-leaf maple, scientifically known as Acer caudatum, is a captivating species distinguished by its unique features and widespread presence in various parts of Asia. First described by the botanist Wall. in his work “Plantae Asiaticae Rariores” in 1830, this tree has garnered attention for its distinctive characteristics and adaptability to different habitats.
Acer caudatum finds its natural habitat spanning the vast Himalayan region and extends its reach into northern and eastern central China and northern Myanmar. This expansive geographical range is a testament to its resilience and versatility in thriving under diverse climatic conditions and altitudes.
Belonging to the family Sapindaceae, the Tail-leaf maple stands out among other maples due to its elongated leaf tips, which is a signature trait that gives the tree its common name. The foliage of Acer caudatum typically displays a lush, green palette during the growing season, which transforms into a spectacular display of vibrant colors in the autumn, making it a visually appealing addition to its natural habitat.
Ecologically, the Tail-leaf maple plays a significant role in its native regions. It contributes to the rich biodiversity of forests, providing habitat and food sources for various wildlife species. Its presence in such a broad geographic range also indicates its adaptability to different soil types and environmental conditions, further underlining its ecological importance.
In summary, Acer caudatum, or the Tail-leaf maple, is a remarkable species renowned for its distinct leaf morphology and widespread distribution from the Himalayas to northern and eastern central China and northern Myanmar. As part of the Sapindaceae family, it continues to be a subject of interest among botanists and nature enthusiasts alike for its unique attributes and ecological significance.
Common Names
Swe: kinesisk axlönn
Zho: 长尾枫 (chang wei feng)
En: Tail-leaf Maple
Zh: 长尾枫, 长尾枫 (Chang Wei Feng)
De: Geschwänzter Ahorn
Is: Mansjúríuhlynur
Sv: Kinesisk axlönn
Synonyms
- Acer multiserratum (Maxim.)
- Acer caudatum subsp. prattii ((Rehder) A.E.Murray)
- Acer caudatum var. multiserratum ((Maxim.) Rehder)
- Acer erosum (Pax)
- Acer caudatum var. georgei (Diels)
- Acer caudatum subsp. multiserratum ((Maxim.) A.E.Murray)
- Acer papilio (King)
- Acer caudatum var. prattii (Rehder)
- Acer caudatum subsp. georgei ((Diels) A.E.Murray)
- Acer caudatum var. erosum ((Pax) Rehder)
Distribution
- Assam (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Inner Mongolia (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nepal (native)
- Tibet (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Oct 6, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Nikolai Kurzenko (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Nikolai Kurzenko (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Nikolai Kurzenko (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Nikolai Kurzenko (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 6, 2008 by philippe de spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2005 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Mark Francis Watson (cc-by-nc)
Other
Taken Aug 2, 1985 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 10, 1990 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 7, 1985 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 12, 1990 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 10, 1956 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Sep 16, 2005 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Mark Francis Watson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 16, 2005 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Mark Francis Watson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- WFO (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7263099)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:781257-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acer caudatum Wall.)