Acer (Maple, Japanese Maple)

• Common Name: Acer (Maple, Japanese Maple)
• Latin Name: Acer spp.
• Family Name: Aceraceae

The leaves from the Acer or Maple contain sugar and should be picked up if they fall into tortoise enclosures, to avoid too much being eaten.  Although non toxic, once the leaves start to dry they often become increasingly toxic.  See Red Maple.

There are approximately 125 varieties of Acer trees and shrubs displaying a variety of leaf colours, shape and size.  Some leaves are plain and some variegated.