three-flower maple

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• three-flower maple
• Three-flowered Maple
• Chosen Maple

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Acer triflorum f. subcoriaceum
• Crula triflora
• Acer triflorum var. subcoriaceum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Sapindales and the family Sapindaceae. It is further identified by the genus Acer, specifically as the species Acer triflorum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Acer triflorum, exhibits a specific geographical range across East Asia. Its primary distribution is located within the Manchuria region of China. Additionally, the species can be found extending into the Korean Peninsula. These specific territories define the natural habitat where the plant thrives. Consequently, its presence is concentrated in these particular parts of Eastern Asia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Acer triflorum is defined by its specific altitudinal preferences within its native habitats, where it thrives within a distinct vertical distribution. This species typically inhabits montane environments, maintaining an elevational range that spans from a minimum of 400 m AMSL to a maximum of 1000 m AMSL. Within this specific ecological niche, the plant finds its optimal growing conditions at a mean elevation of approximately 700 m AMSL. These parameters suggest that the species is specialized to moderate mid-elevation zones, where the combination of atmospheric pressure, temperature gradients, and moisture availability within this 600-meter vertical window supports its growth and physiological requirements.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

700 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

400 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Acer triflorum is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. As a deciduous plant, it undergoes a seasonal cycle where it sheds its foliage annually, typically in response to colder temperatures or changes in photoperiod, entering a period of dormancy before regrowing its leaves in the spring. This cycle of growth and leaf abscission is fundamental to its survival and seasonal phenology within its native habitat.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Acer triflorum is characterized by its robust growth form, functioning primarily as a large, woody tree. It is a self-supporting plant that does not exhibit climbing or parasitic tendencies, existing as an independent organism within its ecosystem. As a terrestrial species, it thrives in land-based habitats rather than aquatic or epiphytic environments. The plant reaches significant stature, with a height typically ranging from a minimum of 20 m to a maximum of 25 m, maintaining a mean height of approximately 22.5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

25 m

Plant height mean:

22.5 m

Plant height min:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Acer triflorum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency within its ecological niche. The vegetative morphology of the plant is defined by specific leaf dimensions that facilitate gas exchange and light interception. The foliage typically exhibits a mean leaf length of 8 cm, with measurements ranging from a minimum of 7 cm to a maximum of 9 cm. Complementing these longitudinal dimensions, the leaf width shows a mean value of 3 cm, fluctuating between a minimum width of 2.5 cm and a maximum width of 3.5 cm. These precise leaf dimensions and the C3 metabolic framework work in tandem to support the plant's overall energy production and physiological stability.

Leaf length max:

9 cm

Leaf length mean:

8 cm

Leaf length min:

7 cm

Leaf width max:

3.5 cm

Leaf width mean:

3 cm

Leaf width min:

2.5 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Acer triflorum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Acerogenin.

Acerogenin

1. Yakugaku zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan

Preparations

Acer triflorum has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extracts.

Extracts

1. Osong public health and research perspectives