Acer triflorum
Acer triflorum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Acer triflorum, commonly known as the three-flowered maple, is a striking deciduous shrub celebrated for its elegant form and vibrant autumn foliage. This species is highly valued in ornamental landscaping due to its unique architectural branching and ability to thrive in diverse garden settings. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the plant is occasionally studied for its biological properties in various traditional applications. Researchers and practitioners often focus on the development of specialized extracts derived from its components. These preparations serve as a key area of interest for those exploring the potential botanical utility of this graceful maple.
- Synonyms
- Crula Triflora · Acer Triflorum Var. Subcoriaceum · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Acer triflorum is a versatile species known by many different names across various languages and regions. In English-speaking areas, it is most frequently referred to as the Three-flowered Maple or the Chosen Maple. The plant also holds specific designations in other cultures, such as the Dutch name Driebloemige esdoorn. Hungarian speakers identify this beautiful tree as the Háromvirágú juhar. Finally, it is sometimes recognized by the name Arce florado in certain linguistic contexts.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Acer triflorum is a botanical subject that is frequently identified through various taxonomic synonyms. Researchers often encounter this species under the names Acer triflorum f. subcoriaceum or Acer triflorum var. subcoriaceum in older literature. Additionally, the plant has been historically classified under the name Crula triflora in certain botanical records. Understanding these shifting nomenclatures is essential for accurate plant identification and scientific study. Recognizing these different labels ensures that specialists can maintain consistency when discussing this particular maple.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Acer triflorum belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, serving as a distinct representative of the natural world. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the order Sapindales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. As a member of the Sapindaceae family, it shares common characteristics with many other diverse woody plants. Ultimately, this species is defined by its placement within the prominent genus Acer.
| 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 triflorum is a distinctive species primarily found throughout the temperate regions of Asia. Its natural range extends across much of China and the expansive landscapes of Manchuria. Additionally, this plant holds a significant presence within the eastern portions of the Asian continent. It can be found flourishing in the specific environmental conditions of Korea as well. Together, these locations define the diverse geographical footprint of this unique deciduous tree.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Acer triflorum is a majestic tree characterized by its robust and self-supporting growth form. This species typically reaches impressive heights, generally ranging from a minimum of 20 meters to a maximum of 25 meters. Depending on its specific environmental conditions, it often stabilizes at a height of at least 22.5 meters. As a dominant structural element in its habitat, its sturdy trunk provides significant presence within the canopy. Ultimately, this tree serves as a towering example of strength and scale in the natural world.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Acer triflorum serves as a significant medicinal plant extract capable of exhibiting strong antiviral activity against the human coxsackievirus a16 (CVA16). In studies involving the Korean CVA16 strain, this plant was tested for its ability to reduce cytopathic effects in infected Vero cells. The research specifically assessed how various extracts, including Acer triflorum, could mitigate the damage caused by the virus. By inhibiting these cellular effects, the plant demonstrates its potential as a therapeutic agent for treating hand, foot, and mouth disease. Consequently, Acer triflorum is identified as a promising candidate for the development of novel drugs targeting this specific viral strain.
Preparations
Acer triflorum is prepared as extracts to test its medicinal properties against specific viral strains. In this study, the plant was processed into an extract to evaluate its effectiveness against the Korean Coxsackievirus A16 isolate. Researchers used these extracts to investigate their ability to reduce cytopathic effects in infected Vero cells. The results demonstrated that the Acer triflorum extract exhibits strong antiviral activity against the CVA16 strain. Consequently, this specific preparation serves as a potential candidate for developing novel drugs to treat hand, foot, and mouth disease.