Acer caesium Wall. Ex Brandis.

Description :

A slow growing, deciduous tree 20 to 24 m tall. The crown is closed, and oval shaped and stem diameters of 47 to 95 cm have been reported. Leaves are simple, alternate 3 to 5 lobed, and 8 to 20 cm wide. The flowers are small, yellowish-green and are arranged in small, dense, bunches. It flowers between March and May. The seed are borne in pairs. The seeds are flattened, joined and each seed has a thin papery wing. The seed matures between June and October. It is frost hardy. Grazing is not a problem, as cattle seem to avoid this tree. A leaf rust, tar-spot can cause severe premature defoliation. It can be reproduced both from seed and by vegetative means. Initial growth is slow but increases with age to approximately 0.2 to 0.5 cm of diameter growth/yr. Dense, with a specific gravity of 0.63. Sapwood and heartwood are not distinct and are creamy to pinkish white. Having straight, fine even textured grain

Distribution :

This tree is native to Pakistan, India and Nepal. In Pakistan it is found in association with conifers at elevations between 2000 to 3500 m. Specific locations are Chitral. Dir. Swat, Hazara, Murree Hills and Azad Kashmir. A moderately shade tolerant (at least at an early age) tree that grows on a variety of well drained sites. Since it is quite adaptable, it will grow on fertile soils from clays to sands. It requires a precipitation zone of 750 to 1500 mm/yr. It prefers a humid cool, to cold temperate climate with a temperature range of -20 to 35°C and an elevation range of 2000 to 3500 m.

 

Uses :

This tree is adapted to a variety of sites and soils. It is a valuable component of the coniferous forest and is being harvested without replacement. It is easily established by planting. Its harvest should be limited and if harvested, it should be replaced with planted seedlings. It has limited potential as a farm forestry tree. Wood is Strong and tough. Also used in Furniture, bobbins, flooring, carving, and ornamental purposes.