Sapindaceae

English: Soapberry family (includes Maples)
Dutch: Zeepboomfamilie (inclusief esdoorns)

The Sapindaceae is a large family comprising about 138 genera and 1,858 species. In the context of Northern European flora, the most important genus is Acer (maples), which was formerly placed in its own family Aceraceae.

Key Identifying Features (Acer)

• Leaves: Simple or compound, opposite, often palmately lobed with serrated margins
• Flowers: Small, often in clusters or racemes, appearing with or before leaves
• Fruits: Paired samaras (winged fruits) that spin when falling
• Bark: Variable; smooth and gray in younger trees, becoming furrowed with age

Parent: Plantae