Most maples are trees growing to a height of 10–45 m (33–148 ft). The oldest fossils of Acer in Europe are from Svalbard, dating to the late Eocene ( Priabonian ~38–34 million years ago). The oldest known fossils of Acer are from the late Paleocene of Northeast Asia and northern North America, around 60 million years old. The closest relative of Acer is Dipteronia, which only has two living species in China, but has a fossil record extending back to the middle Paleocene in North America. Many maple species are grown in gardens where they are valued for their autumn colour. It is one of the most common genera of trees in Asia. Maple syrup is made from the sap of some maple species. The closest relatives of the maples are the horse chestnuts. Maples usually have easily recognizable palmate leaves ( Acer negundo is an exception) and distinctive winged fruits. The type species of the genus is the sycamore maple, Acer pseudoplatanus, the most common maple species in Europe.

Only one species, Acer laurinum, extends to the Southern Hemisphere. There are approximately 132 species, most of which are native to Asia, with a number also appearing in Europe, northern Africa, and North America. The genus is placed in the soapberry family, Sapindaceae, along with lychee and horse chestnut. Acer pseudoplatanus (sycamore maple) foliageĪcer ( / ˈ eɪ s ər/ AY-sər) is a genus of trees and shrubs commonly known as maples.

Types of japanese red maple trees