Acer is a genus of trees and shrubs commonly known as maples. The genus is placed in the 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.

Native to China, this ornamental snakebark maple is ideal for small gardens since it grows rapidly in its early years and then settles down to a relatively slow growth rate. Renowned for its beautiful marbled bark which is olive green with white stripes tinged with green. Long, arching spikes of green flower clusters appear in summer, followed in autumn by rich shades of yellow, orange and red foliage. Hardy to -26°Celsius, this variety has a mature size of approximately 7.5 meter high and wide; however it can be pruned to size which also makes it a stunning subject for bonsai treatment.