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Description
Acer Monspessulanum, commonly known as Montpellier Maple, is a deciduous tree native to southern Europe and western Asia. It belongs to the family Sapindaceae and is a slow-growing tree that can reach a height of up to 10 meters. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown in color, while the leaves are dark green with toothed margins and are arranged in opposite pairs. In the autumn, the leaves turn a beautiful yellow or red color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Acer |
Appearance
The Montpellier Maple has a round, spreading canopy and a single, straight trunk. The leaves are typically 5-10 cm long and wide, with three to five lobes that are deeply cut. The flowers are small and yellow-green in color, and the fruit is a small, paired winged samara that is 2-3 cm long. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown in color when young, but it becomes rough and fissured with age.
Care Guide
The Montpellier Maple requires moderate watering and fertilization, and it prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The tree prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 6-9. It is important to protect the tree from frost in colder climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Montpellier Maple is susceptible to aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. It is also prone to fungal diseases such as verticillium wilt, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. Regular inspections and treatments with insecticides and fungicides can help prevent and control these issues.
Habitat
The Montpellier Maple is native to southern Europe and western Asia, where it grows in dry and rocky areas such as hillsides, cliffs, and gorges. It is also commonly found in parks and gardens as an ornamental tree.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Montpellier Maple a fast-growing tree?
A: No, it is a slow-growing tree.
Q: What is the ideal soil type for the Montpellier Maple?
A: The tree prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Q: Is the Montpellier Maple tolerant of frost?
A: No, it is important to protect the tree from frost in colder climates.
Q: Can the Montpellier Maple be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as it is provided with sufficient space and nutrients.
Related Plants
- Acer campestre
- Acer platanoides
- Acer pseudoplatanus
- Acer saccharum
References
- “Acer monspessulanum.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed May 24, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c575.
- “Acer monspessulanum.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed May 24, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/6544/i-Acer-monspessulanum-i/Details.
- “Montpellier Maple.” The Morton Arboretum. Accessed May 24, 2021. https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/montpellier-maple.
