| Maple
trees are very common in the United States. They grow mostly
in the North Temperate Zone. Maple trees will vary in size by
species, some reaching only fifteen to twenty feet, while other
can grow to seventy feet or more in height. Maples are deciduous
trees, and propagate by seeds, which have wings. The seeds fall,
spinning toward the ground like a helicopter. |
Maple
trees have inconspicuous clusters of green flowers at the
end of the young shoots. The flowers stand upright, unlike
other tree flowers, which generally hang down. The trees are
self-pollinating, and some of the clusters of flowers are
even able to pollinate themselves. The most common form of
pollination comes from the wind, but flies and other insects
will occasionally cause cross-pollination. Once pollinated,
the flowers of maple trees turn into the small fruit of the
plants. This fruit will turn into the seeds and grow wings.
All maple
trees have three principal veins radiating from the base of
the leaf. Many maple trees have leaves that are lobed in accordance
with these veins, many having one smaller lobe on each side
of the long, slender stem. The leaves vary in size by species;
some reaching only an inch or so across, while others can
be as large as six or more inches. The young leaves or maple
trees are a bright crimson, which will fade into the deep
green of mature leaves.
|
|
| Maple
trees have many uses. The wood of maple trees is excellent
as a source of fuel, and can be made into high quality charcoal.
The wood is most often used for its ornamental quality. Furniture
is often made from the sturdy, fine-grained wood. Maple trees
have a sap that can be made into sugar easily.
|
