Acer GINNALA 'FLAME' - Amur Maple 'Flame', Ginnala Maple 'Flame', River Maple 'Flame'.
Can be grown in bonsai style!
Maple is a genus of deciduous trees and shrubs in the Sapindaceae family, comprising over 120 species and numerous ornamental forms. Natural ranges encompass Europe, Asia, and North America, with the greatest species diversity observed in Eastern Asia. Maples are found in mixed forests, on mountain slopes, in river valleys, and in park landscapes. The second genus of the family - Dipteronia - is distributed only in China.
The plants have a rounded or broad, dense crown and large palmate-lobed leaves with radiate venation. In autumn, the leaf blades acquire vivid shades of yellow, orange, purple, or reddish-brown color, which is why maples are considered among the most ornamental trees of temperate climates. Shoots are usually light, with various shades of bark on young growth.
Flowers are small, yellow-green, gathered in loose inflorescences and appear in early spring - simultaneously with leaves or slightly earlier. The fruit is a double samara consisting of two winged seeds that separate upon maturation and are dispersed by wind. The root system is predominantly superficial, which facilitates rooting but makes the plant sensitive to soil compaction.
Maple propagates by seeds and suckers. Most species are light-demanding, tolerate urban climates well, and are distinguished by longevity: the average lifespan is 150-200 years, with individual specimens reaching an age of 300-500 years. Thanks to ornamental appeal and endurance, the genus is widely used in landscape and park gardening worldwide.
Amur Maple 'Flame' is an ornamental form distinguished by vibrant seasonal foliage coloration. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree 2-4 m (6.6-13 ft) in height with a rounded or slightly spreading crown. The leaves are three-lobed, dark green in summer, and in autumn they acquire rich shades of red, fiery orange, and crimson, which gave the cultivar its name. Shoots are slender, brownish, often with a reddish tinge.
Flowering occurs in spring, usually in May. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, gathered in loose inflorescences and possess a faint fragrance. After flowering, characteristic winged double samara fruits form, maturing by the end of summer. The seeds are ornamental and often persist on the branches until autumn, emphasizing the bright coloration of the leaves.