Skip to main content
Acer palmatum

Acer palmatum

8.5
A small garden tree from Japan and Korea with deeply cut leaves that turn bright red and orange in autumn
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : arce palmeado
  • The Acer palmatum is a stunning addition to any garden.

Examples

  • The leaves of the Acer palmatum turn brilliant shades of red and orange in autumn.

  • Many people admire the Acer palmatum for its graceful shape and beautiful autumn colors.

  • A mature Acer palmatum can be the focal point of a traditional Japanese garden.

  • Many gardeners prize the Acer palmatum for its delicate, lacy foliage.

  • I planted an Acer palmatum in my backyard last spring.

  • The Acer palmatum is a stunning addition to any garden with its vibrant red leaves.

  • In spring, the Acer palmatum displays delicate green leaves that turn shades of red and orange in the fall.

Synonyms

Japanese maple
vsAcer palmatum
1 4.9

A small tree or shrub from Japan with delicate, deeply cut leaves that turn bright colors in autumn

is the species term used for that ornamental tree and its cultivated varieties

Surface Forms

Acer palmatum singular

Morphology

Acer + palmatum

Botanical Latin names are compositional: the genus 'Acer' identifies the maple group and the species epithet 'palmatum' (from Latin for 'palmate') describes the leaf form. If a learner knows both constituents, they can infer this is a particular Acer species characterized by palmate, deeply lobed leaves and thus understand the referent, so the meaning is transparently derived from the parts.

Etymology

Acer palmatum comes from Latin words: Acer means 'maple' and palmatum means 'shaped like a hand'. The leaves spread like fingers, so the name gives a simple picture to remember this small garden tree.