acer opalus

El acer opalus it is one of the few maples that we can find in the south-southwest of Europe. It does not grow much, although it is one of those that you have to get away from them a bit to be able to see them well, but as its trunk is rather thin, it can be grown in medium gardens without problem, and also in small ones if it is pruned.

Its maintenance is not difficultAs it resists frost, and unlike the vast majority of species of its genus, it grows well in limestone soils, something that undoubtedly makes it a very interesting plant.

Origin and characteristics

It is a maple native to the mountainous regions of southern and western Europe, reaching Italy and Spain, as well as northwest Africa. Grows to a height of up to 20 meters, with a trunk of about 60cm-1m meter in diameter. The leaves are palmately lobed, 7-13cm long by 5-16cm wide, bright green except in autumn when they turn yellow-orange before falling.

It blooms in spring. The flowers are yellow and small, appearing shortly before the leaves do. If they are pollinated, their fruits, called winged samaras, will be produced by the plant.

Varieties

There are several, highlighting:

• Acer opalus subsp. opal: grows in the eastern half of the Iberian Peninsula.
• Acer opalus subsp. garnet: grows in the north of the Aragonese Pyrenees, in the north of the island of Mallorca, and in North Africa.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

Location

El acer opalus it is a tree that must be outside, in semi-shade preferably. In its natural habitat, you can see it in full sun, as in different parts of the Sierra de Tramuntana in Mallorca, but when it is cultivated it develops better if it is somewhat sheltered, at least when young.

Earth

It depends on where you have it:

• Garden: the soil must be limestone, with good drainage.
• Flower pot: uses universal growing medium (for sale here), or mulch (for sale here), but as long as it has a neutral pH of 7 or 8.

Irrigation

Moderate. It does not resist drought, but neither does waterlogging. But it is true that it does not require as frequent waterings as other maples. Even so, to know when to water you have to first know what weather we have, when it usually rains and when not more or less, if it is warm, dry ...

In short, we must have an idea of ​​what the weather conditions are in the place where we live, since based on that we will know how often we will have to water it. In case of doubt, it is advisable to check the humidity of the substrate or soil before watering, for example by inserting a thin wooden stick or a digital humidity meter.

To give you an idea, with a warm Mediterranean climate, with very mild frosts (down to -3 or -4ºC and only if there is a polar wave, otherwise it is normal to stay at -2ºC), and with rains concentrated in spring and autumn, it is usually watered an average of 3 times a week in summer, and an average of 1 or 2 per week the rest of the year.

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In spring and summer It must be paid with organic fertilizers, such as mulch, guano, or others that we say in this article. Spread a layer about 3-5cm thick around the trunk, and mix it a little with the surface of the earth.

If you have it in a pot, use liquid fertilizers following the instructions specified on the container so that the drainage continues to be good.

Multiplication

El acer opalus multiplies by seeds in winter, as it needs to be cold before germinating. To do this, what can be done is to sow them in tupperware with vermiculite previously moistened with water, and place these containers in the refrigerator, in the section of dairy products, sausages, etc.

Once a week, you should take it out and remove the lid so that the air is renewed, as well as to check the humidity of the vermiculite, which should always be moist.

After three months, it will be time to sow them in pots with universal cultivation substrate, and place them outside, in semi-shade. This is how they will germinate throughout the spring.

Pruning

Really does not need it, but if you want you can remove dry, diseased, weak or broken branches, and trim those that are growing too much at the end of winter.

Rusticity

It resists frosts of up to -18ºC.

What uses is it given?

Ornamental

It is a very decorative plant, which is planted as an isolated specimen or in groups. It is a tree that also provides good shade due to its dense crown.

Wood

As it has pink tones, it is used to make cabinetwork, crafts and marquetry.

What did you think of the acer opalus?