Family: Sapindaceae
Author: Franch.
Bibliography: Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat., sér. 2, 8: 212 (1885 publ. 1886)
Year: 1886
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Acer
Vegetable: False
Observations: China to Myanmar
Description
Father David’s maple, scientifically known as Acer davidii, is a remarkable species within the family Sapindaceae. This tree is native to an extensive range spanning from China to Myanmar, showcasing its adaptability and resilience in diverse environmental conditions.
Named in honor of the French missionary and naturalist Father Armand David, who was pivotal in its discovery and introduction to Western botany, the Acer davidii was first described in detail by botanist Adrien René Franchet. The official recognition and description of this species were published in the “Nouvelles Archives du Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle,” second series, volume 8, on page 212, in the year 1885, with the publication formally released in 1886.
Acer davidii is celebrated for its distinctive aesthetic, particularly the bark, which is marked by striking green and white striped patterns. This unique bark texture becomes one of its most attractive features, making it a favorite among ornamental trees in gardens and parks. As the tree matures, the stripes become more pronounced, adding to its visual appeal.
The leaves of Father David’s maple are simple and ovate, displaying a vibrant green during the growing season and transitioning to a more subdued, but no less beautiful, yellow or orange hue in the autumn. These seasonal changes contribute to its desirability as a decorative plant.
The ecological range of Acer davidii, from China to Myanmar, indicates its capability to thrive in various climates and altitudes. It generally prefers well-drained soils and can often be found in forested areas, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological health of these regions.
In cultivation, Father David’s maple is valued not only for its striking appearance but also for its relatively low maintenance requirements. It typically reaches a moderate height, making it suitable for various landscapes, from expansive parks to more confined urban gardens.
In summary, Acer davidii, or Father David’s maple, is a botanically and aesthetically significant tree with a rich history of discovery and application in horticulture. Its unique bark, vibrant foliage, and adaptability make it a standout within the diverse family of Sapindaceae.
Common Names
Deu: davidsahorn
Eng: father david’s maple, snakebark maple
Swe: davidslönn
Zho: 青榨枫 (qing zha feng)
En: Father David’s maple, Père David’s maple, Snakebark Maple
Ar: قيقب دافيدي
Eu: Daviden astigar
Bg: Клен на Давид
Zh: 葛萝槭, 青榨枫 (Qing Zha Feng)
Cs: Javor Davidův
Fi: Davidinvaahtera
Fr: Érable du Père David
De: Davidsahorn, Davids-Ahorn
Hu: Közép-kínai juhar
Is: Spjaldhlynur
Pl: Klon Davida
Ru: Клён Давида
Es: Davidov javor
Sv: Davidslönn
Tr: David akçaağacı
: Father david’s maple
Synonyms
- Acer sikkimense subsp. davidii ((Franch.) Wesm.)
Distribution
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Inner Mongolia (native)
- Myanmar (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Other
Taken Sep 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Oct 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 29, 2022 by aj a (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 7, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 11, 2022 by Salman Abou Hassan (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 21, 2022 by Joseph Dupont (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2022 by KP Laer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 12, 2018 by Kevin Bell (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 13, 2019 by Chokri Zamouri (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 22, 2019 by Nico Troch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 2, 2020 by Gui Iom (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2020 by Satmary Dorothy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 3, 2021 by martin jean (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 29, 2022 by Malte (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 17, 2020 by York Jamie (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2019 by Maël Vauquois (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2021 by Boumlik Messaïli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2019 by marcel Picot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 31, 2007 by philippe de spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7262943)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:781279-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acer davidii Franch.)