Acer_laevigatum
Acer laevigatum
Species of maple
Acer laevigatum, the smooth maple or Nepal maple, is an atypical species of maple native to southern China (Guizhou, Hong Kong, Hubei, Shanxi, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan), northern India (Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim), northern Myanmar, Nepal, and northern Vietnam. It grows at moderate altitudes of 1,000-2,000 m, with a wet monsoon climate.[2][3]
Acer laevigatum is an evergreen tree growing to a height of 10–15 m or more, with a trunk up to 50 cm diameter. The leaves are smooth, unlobed, leathery, olive-green, and about 6–15 cm long and 3–5 cm wide, with a short 1-1.5 cm petiole. The leaves are normally persistent, and only drop in winter in unusually severe frost.[3]
The samaras are 4–7 cm long and have a purplish tone.
There are two varieties, which may not be fully distinct:[2]
- Acer laevigatum var. laevigatum Most of the species' range. Leaves glabrous (hairless).
- Acer laevigatum var. salweenense (W.W.Smith) J.M.Cowan ex W.P.Fang - Yunnan. Leaves pubescent (downy).