Acer mandshuricum

Acer mandshuricum · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Acer mandshuricum, commonly known as the Manchurian maple, is a resilient deciduous tree native to East Asia. This species is easily identified by its distinctive lobed leaves that provide lush summer foliage. The sturdy stems support a spreading canopy, making it a popular choice for ornamental landscaping. Throughout the seasons, the tree undergoes dramatic transformations in color and texture. Understanding its structural components, such as the leaf and stem, is essential for proper care and identification.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Acer Kansuense · Acer Mandshuricum Subsp. Kansuense · 2 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Sapindaceae
Distribution
Asia-Tropical
Plant Parts
Leaf · Stem

Classification

Common Names

Acer mandshuricum is a versatile species recognized by several different names across various languages and regions. In English-speaking areas, it is most frequently referred to by its common name, the Manchurian maple. This tree also carries distinct regional identities, such as the Polish designation Klon mandżurski and the Czech name javor mandžuský. For those navigating German botanical texts, it is commonly identified as the Mandschurischer Ahorn. Even in Spanish contexts, the plant is known by the name Arce manchuriano, reflecting its global botanical presence.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Acer mandshuricum is a botanical species known to be associated with several distinct taxonomic synonyms. Within scientific literature, it is frequently identified by the alternative name Acer kansuense. This classification also encompasses the specific subspecies Acer mandshuricum subsp. kansuense. Furthermore, historical or specialized records may refer to the plant as Crula mandshurica. Finally, the species has been linked to the synonym Negundo mandshuricum in certain botanical contexts.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Acer mandshuricum is a distinguished member of the kingdom Plantae, representing the vast diversity found within the botanical world. This species belongs to the genus Acer, a group renowned for its characteristic leaf shapes and seasonal beauty. Within this genus, it is classified under the order Sapindales, which links it to a wide array of woody plants. Further taxonomic refinement places the species within the family Sapindaceae, a lineage containing many economically important trees. Ultimately, its biological identity is rooted in the class Equisetopsida, marking its place in the evolutionary history of vascular plants.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Sapindales
Family Sapindaceae
Genus Acer

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Acer mandshuricum is a resilient species primarily distributed throughout the Asia-Temperate region. Its natural range extends significantly across China, including the North-Central territories and the Manchuria region. The plant is also well-established within the Eastern Asia landscape, specifically across Korea. Furthermore, its habitat reaches into the Russian Far East, where it can be found in Primorye. This widespread distribution highlights the plant's ability to thrive in diverse ecological niches across Northeast Asia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Acer mandshuricum is a distinguished species characterized by its impressive tree growth form. As a robust organism, it remains entirely self-supporting throughout its lifecycle. This tree typically reaches significant heights, often spanning a range between 20 and 30 meters. In many optimal environments, the species frequently achieves a more substantial stature of at least 25 meters. Consequently, it serves as a commanding presence within its natural forest habitat.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Compounds

Acer mandshuricum serves as a rich source of various bioactive triterpene compounds found within its stems and leaves. Research has successfully isolated aceranol acetate, a newly identified compound, from this specific plant species. In addition to this new finding, the plant also contains several known substances including friedelin and glutinol. Further analysis reveals that the chemical profile of Acer mandshuricum also includes glutinol acetate and beta-amyrin acetate. These diverse constituents highlight the complex chemical composition of the plant and its potential for pharmacological study.

Conditions

Acer mandshuricum contains triterpene and steroid compounds that demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory activity. These isolated substances also exhibit notable cytotoxic activity against several human cancer cell lines, such as HL-60 and A549. Specifically, the plant's compounds were tested for their ability to treat the inhibitory activity of TNF-alpha secretion. This evaluation was performed using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine RAW264.7 macrophage cell line. Among the various compounds identified, beta-amyrin acetate showed the strongest capacity to inhibit this specific inflammatory response.

Preparations

Parts used

Acer mandshuricum serves as a valuable source of bioactive triterpene compounds for pharmaceutical research. Scientific investigations have successfully isolated various chemical constituents, such as aceranol acetate and beta-amyrin acetate, directly from the plant's biological structures. These significant compounds were specifically extracted from both the leaves and the stems of the species. The study highlights how these different parts of the plant contribute to its diverse chemical profile. Ultimately, the components derived from these parts demonstrate promising cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties.