Maple

| image = Acer pseudoplatanus 002.jpg | image_caption = ''Acer pseudoplatanus'' (sycamore maple) foliage | taxon = Acer | authority = L. | range_map = Map genus Acer.png | range_map_caption = Distribution | subdivision_ranks = Species | subdivision = See either
species grouped by sections
alphabetical list of species }}

''Acer'' is a genus of trees and shrubs commonly known as maples. The genus is placed in the soapberry family Sapindaceae. There are approximately 132 species, most of which are native to Asia, with a number also appearing in Europe, northern Africa, and North America. Only one species, ''Acer laurinum'', extends to the Southern Hemisphere. The type species of the genus is the sycamore maple ''Acer pseudoplatanus'', one of the most common maple species in Europe. Most maples usually have easily identifiable palmate leaves (with a few exceptions, such as ''Acer carpinifolium'', ''Acer laurinum'', and ''Acer negundo'') and all share distinctive winged fruits. The closest relative of the maples is the small east Asian genus ''Dipteronia'', followed by the more widespread genus ''Aesculus'' (buckeyes and horse-chestnuts). Maple syrup is made from the sap of some maple species. It is one of the most common genera of trees in Asia. Many maple species are grown in gardens where they are valued for their autumn colour and often decorative foliage, some also for their attractive flowers, fruit, or bark. Provided by Wikipedia