Acer Palmatum Arakawa

Description

Acer Palmatum Arakawa, commonly known as Arakawa Japanese Maple, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Sapindaceae. It is native to Japan, Korea, and China and is widely cultivated in temperate regions worldwide for its ornamental value. It is a slow-growing tree that can reach a height of 20-30 feet and a spread of 15-25 feet. The tree’s distinctive feature is its rough bark, which looks like the bark of a pine tree. The bark becomes more prominent as the tree ages.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The leaves of Acer Palmatum Arakawa are palmate, with five to seven lobes, and measure 3-5 inches in length. The leaves are green and turn yellow, orange, or red in the fall. The tree produces small yellow-green flowers in the spring, which are followed by samaras that are 1-2 inches long. The samaras mature in the fall and have a winged structure that allows them to be dispersed by the wind. The tree’s rough bark is gray-brown and has vertical fissures that resemble the bark of a pine tree. The bark becomes more prominent as the tree ages.

Care Guide

Acer Palmatum Arakawa requires well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade to full sun exposure. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-8. Here are some care tips:

• Water: Water the tree regularly, especially during the growing season. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring and fall with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can damage the tree.
• Soil: The tree prefers well-drained, acidic soil. Amend the soil if necessary to improve drainage and acidity.
• Sunlight: The tree prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. In hot climates, provide afternoon shade to protect the leaves from sun scorch.
• Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 5-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Acer Palmatum Arakawa is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:

• Aphids: Small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and curl.
• Scale insects: Small, armored insects that attach themselves to the bark and suck the sap from the tree, causing the leaves to wilt and drop.
• Verticillium wilt: A fungal disease that affects the roots and causes the leaves to yellow and wilt.
• Powdery mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems.

Habitat

Acer Palmatum Arakawa is native to Japan, Korea, and China and is widely cultivated in temperate regions worldwide for its ornamental value. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, mountain slopes, and riverbanks. The tree prefers well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade to full sun exposure.

Question and Answer

Here are some commonly asked questions about Acer Palmatum Arakawa:

• Q: How fast does Acer Palmatum Arakawa grow?
• A: Acer Palmatum Arakawa is a slow-growing tree that can reach a height of 20-30 feet and a spread of 15-25 feet.
• Q: What is the difference between Acer Palmatum Arakawa and other Japanese maples?
• A: Acer Palmatum Arakawa is distinguished by its rough bark, which resembles the bark of a pine tree.
• Q: How often should I water Acer Palmatum Arakawa?
• A: Water the tree regularly, especially during the growing season. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
• Q: What is the best time to prune Acer Palmatum Arakawa?
• A: Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

Related Plants

• Acer Palmatum (Japanese Maple)
• Acer Palmatum Bloodgood (Bloodgood Japanese Maple)
• Acer Palmatum Dissectum (Laceleaf Japanese Maple)
• Acer Japonicum (Fullmoon Maple)

References

• Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Publishing.
• Gibbs, J. N., & More, D. (2006). The new encyclopedia of daylilies: more than 1700 outstanding selections. Timber Press.
• Spongberg, S. A. (1975). Manual of cultivated trees and shrubs hardy in North America exclusive of the subtropical and warmer temperate regions. Macmillan.