acer opalus
The climatic conditions of the Mediterranean region have made many plants have evolved so much that they have managed to be resistant to drought, high summer temperatures, humidity in the environment and, also, the sea breeze. Such is the case of our protagonist, the Mediterranean maple, a rather small tree ideal to have in a small garden, or it can even be kept in a pot for several years.
Let's know all its secrets.
Acer opalus subspecies garnatense, in habitat (Mallorca)
The Mediterranean maple, known in botanical jargon by the name of acer opalus, is a tree whose leaves fall in autumn and sprout again in spring, they are green palms. It grows to a height of 20m, but the garnet subspecies does not usually exceed 10m. Its trunk, with gray and pink bark, can reach 1m in diameter. It has a slow-medium growth rate: grows about 5-10cm every year, depending on the growing conditions.
It blooms in spring, before the leaves sprout, and towards the end of summer its seeds, which will remain inside winged samaras, they will be ready to germinate.
Acer opalus leaf in autumn
This is a tree that does not require as much care as others in its family, since turns out to be the perfect candidate to have on limestone soils. In addition, it will withstand high temperatures without problems, as long as it receives frequent waterings, which will be about 2 times a week in summer, and 1-2 the rest of the year. And if it was not enough, withstands light frosts up to -5 ° C.
Although it does not need pruning, if you want to have a tree that provides shade once it has reached a minimum of 3m in height, you have to prune the lower branches, towards the end of winter.
The Mediterranean maple is an exceptional plant. Grateful, will decorate your garden throughout the year.