Mary Allen
The maples are deciduous trees with leaves that are roughly the shape of a hand. There are at least 100 maple species in total. Together they form the genus of maples. They are found in the northern hemisphere of the earth. They only grow where it is not too hot, i.e. throughout Europe, the USA and Canada, and parts of Asia.
Norway maple is one of the most common trees in our cities. In spring it blooms before many other trees and provides a fresh, bright green. In autumn it is the last to lose its leaves.
The most common maple species in Central Europe is the sycamore maple. It can live up to 500 years and even grows in the Alps at an altitude of 2000 meters. Many caterpillars, beetles, wild bees, and other insects live on it and in its wood. The field maple is also widespread in Europe.
A special feature of the maple are the seeds. A wing hangs from each seed. As it flies down, it spins like the blades of a helicopter. This way they fly further away from the trunk and can spread the tree further around.
Maple wood is mainly used for furniture. The wood is also very suitable for building musical instruments or toys. Maple syrup is used to sweeten dishes. It is obtained from the sap of the sugar maple tree, which is found in North America, for example in Canada. To get the sap, cut the bark and hang a bucket on the trunk. He catches the maple sap. It becomes viscous when it is boiled down and can be used in the kitchen in a similar way to sugar. Some also like to put it on their pancakes. The syrup is also called maple syrup. It is usually amber in color and tastes light or strong, somewhat like caramel.