Care of the tree Acer sempervirens or Cretan maple |
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In the Sapindaceae family the genus Acer is classified, consisting of about 160 species of trees and shrubs from temperate regions of Europe, Asia and North America. Some species are: Acer sempervirens, Acer platanoides, Acer palmatum, Acer obtusifolium, Acer negundo, Acer campestre, Acer pseudoplatanus. Common name: Cretan maple. This species is native to Turkey, Crete and Greece. They are small trees or large bushes with smooth and gray trunks that reach 10 meters (32.80 feet) height. The leathery leaves have opposite disposition, trilobed or simple shape and are bright green. The flowers appear in greenish-yellow dangling bouquets but are not decorative. They bloom in spring. The fruits are shaped like double samaras. They are not widely used in gardening but can be used in pots, as isolated specimens or to form screens and informal hedges. Acer sempervirens is a moderate growing plant that is grown in full sun or semi-shade exposure. They tolerate Mediterranean heat and frost down to around -12 ºC (10.4 ºF). They can grow in any well-drained soil that contains organic matter; they prefer that it contain a little clay. Planting or transplanting will be done in early spring. Water regularly without ever watering but waiting until the soil has dried. They have good resistance to drought. Fertilize each fall with compost or manure. They do not need pruning, but damaged or dry branches can be removed in late winter. They are usually free of pests and diseases if we do not exceed the watering. Propagation is made from seeds sown in a seedbed in spring. |
Images of the tree Acer sempervirens or Cretan maple |
 Acer sempervirens  Acer sempervirens  Acer sempervirens |