Acero Davidii

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Sapindaceae

Order

Sapindales

Genus

Acer

Species

davidii

Description

Medium-sized deciduous polyannual tree. Upright habit develops a broad, rounded, well-proportioned crown. Appreciated by garden designers and enthusiasts at all levels of experience for the scenic landscape effect provided by the foliage fading to orange-yellow in autumn and the distinctive green-white striped textured bark from which it derives its common name 'Snake Bark Maple'. During late spring it produces delicate racemes of cream-coloured flowers followed by the fruits, namely winged disamara. With its wide versatility of use, it is ideal for private and public green areas, including city parks.

Variety description

Indo-European and Chinese indigenous tree of medium size and elegant habit. Forms an orderly, broadly round crown with deciduous, emerald green foliage. Sunny exposure, but also tolerates partially shady areas or under foliage well. Develops a highly branched, compact primary root of medium depth. Mainly for ornamental use in parks and gardens, also for urban green areas; due to its medium size it is suitable for forming gardens and hanging green areas. Withstands pruning and is resistant to tree diseases. Tree with beautiful pale yellow blossom in May of pendulous corymbs. Ornamental bark with vertical white streaks, known as 'snake bark'.

Curiosities and special features

The generic term, Acer, is said to derive from acer acris i.e. prickly, referring to the pointed lobes of the leaves or the use in antiquity for making spears; the specific epithet, davidii, was given in honour of the missionary and naturalist Father David (Jean Pierre Armand David) who first discovered this species in the 1800s.

Origin and distribution

A species native to Myanmar and the forest areas of central China; it was discovered in China in 1869 by the Jesuit missionary Jean Pierre Armand David.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 5 to 15 m, making it a medium-sized tree.

Lifespan

Deciduous polyannual tree.

Where to plant

Because of the ornamental value conferred by its foliage and bark, as well as its developed habitus, it is a suitable tree for adding elegance to large flower beds and street roundabouts, open fields, in flower beds in temperate zones, depending on the temperatures described in the dedicated section

Stem

woody with bark with vertically striped wrinkles, very decorative.

Growth

Medium to vigorous Growth.

Plant habit

The foliage presents a globular and tidy habitus, of ample size.

Branching

abundant

PH

Maple davidii prefers a slightly acidic soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting at the beginning of winter, choose the most suitable location, in relation to the plant's needs, and use a spade to make the planting hole at least one third the size of the root or root ball volume, removing any weeds and bulky pebbles. Add organic matter and apply slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser for background fertilisation to ensure the nutrients the plant needs in the early post-transplant stages.

To improve weed control, retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, a layer of mulch can be spread on the soil near the trunk.

Sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 30 °C. It is well adapted to hot summer climates.

Use

Tree appreciated in different areas of use such as:

Outdoor Landscape Design Landscaping

Hardiness

A moderately hardy plant, it adapts to different soil types and tolerates summer heat well.

Soil

It adapts to different soil conditions, however, for better vegetative growth and a healthy plant, prefer medium-textured soil, i.e. with a balanced texture, as well as structured, well-drained and loosened. Should the soil be too compact and heavy, it is recommended to add sand and organic material such as compost.

Difficulty

Cultivation is fairly easy with an overall low level of management effort, adding value to the species.

Growing tips

Here are some specific cultivation measures and aspects to achieve better vegetative growth:

For a good, abundant and continuous flowering, it is necessary to fertilise well both in autumn and in spring at the vegetative restart and to water regularly Can be planted in sunny or half-shaded beds. Correct pruning

Combinations with other plants

Suitable in homogenous groups as well as for compositions with other species, e.g. with bulbous, ground cover and annual or biennial herbaceous plants under the canopy, achieving highly ornamental landscape effects.

Planting

For transplanting, adopt an average density of 2,000 plants/ha, choosing young, well-rooted and trained specimens that are free from abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Always identify the planting site in advance in relation to the growth conditions required by the species according to the principle 'the right plant in the right place'.

It is advisable to prune the long, thin strands of the roots and the spindly branches of the foliage with a clean, sharp blade, keeping the foliage as compact as possible; then place the root ball in the previously dug planting hole, keeping the plant collar off the soil surface and making sure to water immediately after planting without causing water stagnation.

Pruning

During the winter, remove dense branches within the foliage.

Watering

When transplanting, assist the plant to allow it to develop its root system in the best possible way in the new site by keeping it at a constant humidity free of water stagnation and dryness. Afterwards, prevent water saturation conditions and give quantities with frequencies and doses also commensurate with the climatic trend during the different seasons.

Fertilising

When transplanting, do a background fertilisation by applying slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants to the soil. Following removal to the new planting site, carry out balanced fertilisation in spring and autumn without over- or under-fertilisation.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible Species.

Tip

It is suggested that excess branches within the crown be thinned out for proper tree formation and regular flowering. Cut low branches below the crown to highlight the colourful variegation of the bark in all seasons. The agronomic characteristics of the cultivation nursery must also be possessed by the storage nursery for plants purchased by the gardener and which he does not intend to use immediately after purchase. If the tree and shrub plants are kept on the gardener's farm for a longer period of time, they must be cultivated as in the cultivation nursery.