Information about Acer opalus ssp. obtusatum

Acer opalus ssp. obtusatum, commonly known as the Balkan maple or obtuse maple, is a subspecies of the European maple (Acer opalus). It is native to southeastern Europe, particularly in the Balkan Peninsula, where it grows in mixed deciduous forests and rocky habitats.

The Balkan maple is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. It has a rounded, spreading crown and a smooth, grayish-brown bark. The leaves are simple, lobed, and broad, with a rounded base and a pointed tip. They are dark green in color and turn yellow or red in the fall.

The flowers of the Balkan maple are small and greenish-yellow, and they appear in early spring before the leaves. The fruits are double-winged samaras, about 2-3 cm long, which ripen in the late summer or early fall.

The Balkan maple is a valuable timber species, used for furniture, flooring, and other woodworking purposes. It is also a popular ornamental tree in gardens and parks, valued for its attractive foliage and compact size.

However, Acer opalus ssp. obtusatum is considered a threatened species due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as overexploitation for its wood. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore its natural habitat and populations.