Acer palmatum tree named 'Chacer01'

Abstract

A new and distinct Acer palmatum tree named ‘CHACER01’ is disclosed, characterized by a unique stem arrangement giving the appearance of contortions by having branches with 30° to 45° bends at variable intervals. Plants are reasonably fast growing for a dwarf Acer palmatum with approximately 10 to 15 cm of growth per year with a maximum height of 1.2 meters. Fall color is orange/red autumn and leaf size of similar size and shape as the original common Acer palmatum. The new variety is a dwarf tree, typically used for outdoor garden or container use.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Acer palmatum tree named ‘CHACER01’ as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

[0010] The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color a typical tree of ‘CHACER01’ grown outdoors, with some Fall coloration to the foliage. Age of the tree in FIG. 1 is approximately 3.5 years.

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates the contorted branch pattern on a fully deciduous tree of the new variety. Age of the tree photographed in FIG. 2 is approximately 7 years. The photograph was taken using conventional techniques and although colors may appear different from actual colors due to light reflectance it is as accurate as possible by conventional photographic techniques.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

[0012] In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart 1995 except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations and measurements describe ‘CHACER01’ plants grown outdoors and in a nursery in Toolangi, Victoria, Australia (37° 30′36″S, 145° 27′52″E, 203 meters above sea level). Temperature ranged from approximately 12° C. to 25° C. during the day and from approximately 5° C. to 18° C. at night. Plants were measured during late Autumn. Age of the plants when described is approximately 3.5 years old. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant types. [0013] Botanical classification: Acer palmatum ‘CHACER01’. [0014] Propagation: [0015] Time to initiate roots.—About 50 to 60 days at approximately 25° C. [0016] Root description.—Fibrous. Fine, brown roots not accurately measured with an R.H.S. chart. [0017] Plant: [0018] Growth habit.—Upright, randomly branched dwarf tree. [0019] Pot size of described plant.—15 cm pot. [0020] Height.—50 to 60 cm. [0021] Plant spread.—20 to 30 cm. [0022] Branch internode length.—1 to 5 cm. [0023] Branch characteristics.—Length: Main branches are 25 to 30 cm. Diameter: 0.2 to 0.5 cm. Texture: Mottled, slightly rough to smooth going into new season growth. Color: Near RHS Yellow-Green 148A, with reddish tinge on newer growth. Reddish tinge not accurately measured with R.H.S. chart. [0024] Aspect and angle.—Slight zigzag appearance angled from trunk of between 30 to 45° angle with secondary and tertiary laterals at irregular intervals also at 30 to 45° angles with laterals having the slight zigzag characteristic. [0025] Trunk characteristics.—Diameter: 6.0 to 10.0 cm. Color: Near RHS Yellow-Green 148A. [0026] Other branch and trunk characteristics.—Lenticels Present: Yes. Lenticel Diameter: 0.2 to 0.3 cm. Lenticel Density: Moderate. Lenticel Color: Near RHS White 155C. [0027] Foliage: [0028] Leaf.—Arrangement: Opposite, rarely sub-opposite. Average Length: Approximately 5.5 cm including petiole. Average Width: Approximately 4.5 cm. Shape of blade: Palmately lobed. Lobe depth average 2.5 cm. Apex: Acuminate. Base: Obcordate. Margin: Doubly serrate. Texture of top surface: Smooth with raised veins. Texture of lower surface: Smooth with raised veins. Leaf internode length: Average range 1.0 to 2.0 cm. Typical leaf emergence day: Early September in Victoria, Australia. Typical leaf fall date: Mid-May in Victoria, Australia. Color: Young foliage: Upper side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 146C. Under side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 146D. Mature foliage: Upper side: Near RHS Green 137A. Under side: Near RHS Green 137C. Mature Fall foliage: Upper side: Near RHS Greyed-Red 179B. Under side: Near RHS Greyed-Orange 173C. [0029] Foliage.—Venation: Type: Palmate Color: Venation color upper side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 144B. Venation color under side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 144B. Petiole: Length: Average 2.0 cm. Diameter: Average 0.1 cm. Color: Upper side: Near RHS Red-Purple 59B. Under side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 144B. [0030] Flower: Flowering production not yet observed. [0031] Other characteristics: [0032] Disease resistance.—Tolerant to normal diseases. [0033] Pest resistance.—Unknown. [0034] Drought resistance.—Tolerant of drought conditions. [0035] Temperature tolerance.—Tolerant to high temperatures, to more than 40° C., determined in Toolangi, Australia. Cold temperature tolerance unknown.