MAPLE

Maple refers to trees and shrubs in the genus Acer, part of the family Sapindaceae. The genus includes roughly 100 to 135 species native to Asia, Europe, and North America, typically found in temperate regions. Maples are deciduous, with opposite leaves that are usually palmately lobed, commonly 3 to 5 lobes. Leaf shape and autumn coloration vary by species, ranging from green to brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows.

A key feature of maples is their sap and wood. In many species, especially Acer saccharum (sugar maple) and related taxa, sap is collected in spring by tapping healthy trees. The sap contains about 2 to 3 percent sugar and is boiled to produce maple syrup, a traditional product with significant cultural and economic importance in North America, particularly Canada and the United States. Maple sugar and related products are derived from sap concentrates and crystalline sugar.

Maple wood is a dense, hard wood with a fine, straight grain that is highly valued for furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and musical instruments. Ecologically, maples support diverse wildlife and play a role in forest dynamics and succession. In culture, the maple leaf serves as a symbol in several countries and is especially associated with autumn foliage in temperate regions.