Acero Tridente

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Sapindaceae

Order

Sapindales

Genus

Acer

Species

buergerianum

Description

Deciduous perennial plant, much appreciated in the art of bonsai for its elegant plant architecture with an upright woody trunk and light brown bark, which flakes with age. The foliage is also striking, taking on warm, bright shades before falling. Growth must be regulated and 'kept' with great care through proper exposure to light, by shading with strong light intensity, as well as watering, fertilising and appropriate pruning.

Varietal description

A plant of the aceraceae family, native to China, it has an erect trunk with light brown bark that peels into plates over time. It has deciduous, trident-shaped leaves, small in size and somewhat leatherier than other maples, green in spring, yellow-orange in summer. In autumn they turn orange and red.

curiosity and special features

In Japan, Trident Maple is called 'kaede' or 'toad's hand', referring to the shape of the leaf blade, which is similar to that of a toad's legs.

The botanical name Acer is derived from the Latin acris or pointed, also referring to the shape of the leaves, while the scientific epithet buergerianum was given in honour of H. Bürger, a biologist, botanist and naturalist in 19th century Japan.

Origin and Diffusion

A plant native to eastern China, Korea and Japan, it was introduced to Europe in the late 1800s.

Leaf

It has deciduous leaves, small in size and somewhat leatherier than other maples, with palmate lamina.

Leaf color

The leaves are multicoloured, green in spring and yellow-orange in summer, turning orange-red in autumn.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.4 to 1.5 m, depending on the size of the pot and the setting of the specimen.

Lifespan

Deciduous Leaf perennial plant.

Suggested planting locations

Suitable as bonsai for large pots, small pots.

Stem/stem

The stem is woody, with light-brown bark that flakes into plates over time.

Flower

It flowers with a flowering period of between 10 and 15 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Long-lived plant with compact growth.

Plant habit

It develops an erect habitus.

branching

The branching is on the whole average.

pH

It requires a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, light shade, full sun. It is recommended to expose it to full sun, and during summer to light shade.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 30 °C. The biological temperature is between 5 and 40 °C. It is a heat-resistant plant, being able to withstand temperatures of up to 40 °C with adequate humidity and protection from direct light. It does not tolerate severe frost; as a bonsai avoid exposing it to temperatures below 5 °C.

Use

Due to its plant architecture and the different colour tones of its leaves, it is widely cultivated as a bonsai in:

Outdoor ornamental Ornamental Indoor ornamental area

Hardiness

Of average hardiness, attention must be paid to minimum temperatures as temperatures below 5°C must be avoided.

Soil/medium

Choose a specific potting soil for bonsai. It is advisable to use soil with good drainage capacity, especially for winter.

Maintenance

Cultivation ofAcer buergerianumis fairly easy, care must be taken to perform the required cultivation cares correctly and at the appropriate times.

cultivation tips

Some useful cultivation tips, specific toAcer buergerianum:

Correct pruning Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Requires abundant but no stagnant watering

pruning

Keep shoots short throughout the vegetative period, continuously to maintain shape. In winter, shorten any branches that have altered shape.

Reproduction/Propagation

Propagation is by semi-woody cuttings and by layering.

potting

To be carried out annually in younger plants, at the end of winter, before vegetative awakening. In more mature plants every 2 to 3 years.

Irrigation

Water abundantly throughout the growing season, by sprinkling the pot under the foliage, allowing the soil to dry only slightly between one watering and the next, at least superficially, and preventing dryness. Avoid excessive drying, especially if the plant is kept outdoors and in particular in windy conditions, even if weak, which dries out the substrate quickly; in such conditions it may be necessary to water several times a day if the plant is placed in a small pot. In winter it is preferable to keep the soil relatively dry to reduce the risk of frost damage.

Fertilization

Carry out intensive fertilisation during the early vegetation period and reduce the doses later during the summer period. From the end of autumn, apply specific Japanese organic fertiliser that is less rich in nitrogen.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

advise 1

Attention to watering, somewhat delicate care. Water abundantly in spring and summer and also in autumn, if hot. Allow the soil to dry just a little between watering, at least superficially. Avoid over-drying, especially if the plant is kept outdoors and particularly if there is wind, even weak wind, which dries out the substrate quickly. It may also be necessary to water several times a day if the plant is placed in a small pot. In winter, leave the soil relatively dry Pay attention to minimum temperatures, as temperatures below 5°C should be avoided.