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Mapies (Ficures 7-9) 
More than 100 species of maples are known in the world, with 
the centers of distribution chiefly in Central and Eastern Asia, 
Eastern and Western United States and in Europe. Thus the 
“maple belt’ extends with fair regularity around the whole north- 
ern hemisphere. 
With their mostly palmately lobed leaves (not pimnately lobed as 
in the oaks), and their double, winged fruit (schizocarp), the 
maples are a remarkably distinct genus, botanically. There is only 
one other genus in the world with similar botanical characters, 
Dipteronia, which, with Acer, forms the maple family. Dipteronia 
in several respects suggests Pterocarya in the walnut family. The 
pinnately leaved maples, including the boxelder (Acer Neguindo), 
form a transition between Dipteronia and the maples proper. 
‘he chief importance of the maple lies in its use, horticul- 
7 
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turally, as a shade and ornamental tree for city streets, parks, and 
private grounds. Not only the stately form of the tree, but also 
the brilliant autumnal coloration of most species, the attractive 
colors of the flowers and fruits of many kinds, as well as its ready 
acceptance of soil conditions, make it an ideal subject for orna- 
mental planting. 
In no other country in the world is the autumn coloration of the 
foliage so brilliant and so varied as in the northeastern United 
States. It is said that “not a few travellers from Europe time their 
visits to the United States so that they can witness the spectacle of 
the color splashed hillsides.” For this annual spectacle the maples 
as well as the oaks are largely responsible; and the chief color 
bearers among the maples are the sugar maple and the red maple. 
The predominant color of the sugar maple is a rich golden yellow, 
but many of its outer leaves are often tinged with a glorious crim- 
liant, but their color 
— 
son. The red or swamp maples are also bri 
combinations are not as varied, nor so satisfying. 
In addition to their ornamental value, several kinds of maples 
are important timber trees; and some, particularly the sugar maple. 
yield a syrup and a sugar of a characteristic and remarkably de- 
licious flavor. 
