The specific name of this species was probably the result of a mis-spelling of 'pentapotamicum' meaning five waters or five rivers, based on its being found in the basins of the five main rivers that flow from the Himalayas tthrough the Punjab region (of both present day Pakistan and India). The rules of Botanical Nomenclature mean that the name 'pentapomicum' cannot be altered to the more sensible intended spelling[].

Common Name:

General Information

Acer pentapomicum is a small, deciduous tree that can grow up to 9 metres tall[].. A bole up to 80cm has been recorded, but around 15cm is more common[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Asia - Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, northwest India (Himachal Pradesh)

Habitat

Dry, open woodland at elevations from 600 - 2,100 metres[, ].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	7.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Acer pentapomicum is a moderately cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -20°c when dormant[].
Acer species are generally of easy cultivation, growing best in full sun or light, dappled shade and succeeding in most well-drained but moisture-retentive soils[, ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is pinkish-white, soft, close and even-grained. It is used for making domestic and agricultural implements[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, it usually germinates in the following spring. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours and then stratify for 2 - 4 months at 1 - 8°c. It can be slow to germinate. The seed can be harvested 'green' (when it has fully developed but before it has dried and produced any germination inhibitors) and sown immediately. It should germinate in late winter. If the seed is harvested too soon it will produce very weak plants or no plants at all[, ]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until they are 20cm or more tall before planting them out in their permanent positions.
Layering, which takes about 12 months, is successful with most species in this genus.
Cuttings of young shoots in early summer . The cuttings should have 2 - 3 pairs of leaves, plus one pair of buds at the base. Remove a very thin slice of bark at the base of the cutting, rooting is improved if a rooting hormone is used. The rooted cuttings must show new growth during the summer before being potted up otherwise they are unlikely to survive the winter.
Grafting is not usually advised for this species, though any cultivars can be grafted onto rootstocks of the species.