Acer amamiense (also known as Amami maple) is a rare species of maple in the Sapindaceae family. It is native to Amami-Oshihma, in southern Japan.[1]
Acer amamiense is a round-topped, deciduous tree, growing to about in height in the wild.[2] New leaves are a deep purplish colour.[3] Mature leaves are five-lobed and green, turning a bright red-purple in autumn. It resembles Acer diabolicum, but differs in having glabrous petioles and short-haired, rather than bristly fruit.[4] Yellow flowers are produced before the leaves open in spring, followed by brown winged fruits on female plants.[5]
Discovered in 1999, Acer amamiense is considered a critically endangered species, with a very limited native range, and only a dozen specimens existing in the wild. It favours acidic soil and a temperate mountain habitat.[6]