Contents
Description
Acer Opalus, commonly known as Italian Maple or Algerian Maple, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Sapindaceae. It is native to southern Europe and northern Africa, and can grow up to 25 meters in height. The tree has a rounded crown with dense foliage that is made up of five-lobed leaves that are green on top and pale underneath. The leaves turn yellow in autumn before falling off. Acer Opalus produces green-yellow flowers in spring, which are followed by winged fruits called samaras.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukaryota || Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Spermatophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida || Order| Sapindales || Family| Sapindaceae || Genus| Acer|| Species| Acer Opalus |
Appearance
Acer Opalus is a medium-sized tree that has a round crown with dense foliage. The leaves are five-lobed and measure around 10 cm in length and width. The upper side of the leaves is green and glossy, while the underside is pale with small hairs. The leaves turn yellow in autumn before falling off. The tree produces green-yellow flowers in spring, which are followed by samaras. The bark is grey and smooth when young, but becomes rough and furrowed with age.
Care Guide
Acer Opalus prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It requires regular watering, especially during dry periods, and should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. The tree prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow in hardiness zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Acer Opalus is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. The tree can also be affected by fungal diseases such as verticillium wilt and powdery mildew.
Habitat
Acer Opalus is native to southern Europe and northern Africa. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, scrubland, and rocky hillsides.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Acer Opalus tolerate drought?
A: No, Acer Opalus requires regular watering and cannot tolerate prolonged periods of drought.
Q: When is the best time to fertilize Acer Opalus?
A: Acer Opalus should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Q: Is Acer Opalus a fast-growing tree?
A: No, Acer Opalus is a medium-sized tree and grows at a moderate rate.
Q: How often should Acer Opalus be pruned?
A: Acer Opalus should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Related Plants
– Acer Campestre- Acer Platanoides- Acer Rubrum- Acer Saccharum
References
– “Acer opalus.” Trees and Shrubs Online. Royal Horticultural Society, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2021.- “Acer opalus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2021.- “Acer opalus.” Plant Finder. Chicago Botanic Garden, n.d. Web. 24 Mar. 2021.
