Acer sikkimense (Sikkim Maple)


Botanical Information

FamilySapindaceae (Aceraceae)
GenusAcer
Speciessikkimense
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginXizang and Yunnan, China. Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Vietnam.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4a - 7a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7 - H5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-26) - (-12)
Temperature (°F)(-15) - 10
Height12 m
Flowering PeriodMarch

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA small tree that has been recorded as growing epiphytically in the branches of other trees (particularly Rhododendron arboreum), where it can grow up to 12 m. This species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as globally threatened.
Notable SpecimensWestonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, England.
HabitatMixed forests at an altitude of 1,700-3,000 m.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBlackish-grey with brown, glabrous branchlets.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionLarge, ellipsoid and glabrous with 4 pairs of scales.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are 10-14 x 5-8 cm, thin, elliptic-oblong with 3 veins and a deeply cordate base.
Flower DescriptionFlowers in spikes that are up to 5 cm long on appearance and grow to 15 cm on fruiting. Yellowish-green in colour, 5 sepals and 8 stamens.
Fruit DescriptionFruit is a brownish colour when mature, flat winged nutlest ovate-oblong, 2-2.5 cm x 8 mm, produced in September.

Photographs