 |
|
'Oridono nishiki' is one of the best varieties in the Palmatum Group. The medium-sized leaves have five to seven lobes and are moderately deeply divided with the lobes radiating outward. Each lobe is ovate with a long-tapering point. The margins are clearly toothed, and the leaf stalks are pink and slender.
The basic leaf colour is a rich, deep, shiny green which holds very well throughout the summer. The variegations are extremely diverse. The new spring variegation is bright pink, white, cream-coloured, or any combination of these, and may include various sized areas of green. Sometimes new leaves are entirely white or pink. The main impression of spring growth is pink. The pink, white, or cream markings vary from a single white spot to irregular flecks, small areas, blends, half lobes or any combination in between. Leaf portions which are strongly variegated will curve or be sickle-shaped.
The bark of new shoots is sometimes pink or pink-striped, which distingushes this cultivar from the similar 'Asahi zuru'. 'Oridono nishiki' is sturdy and vigorous, and forms an upright, round-topped tree of 6m (20ft). The name means "rich-coloured fabric of the master". This cultivar was originally introduced from Japan with the alternative name 'Versicolor', and has been misspelled 'Orido nishiki', 'Oridomo nishiki', and 'Orono nishiki'.
Source: "Japanese Maples - the complete guide to selection and cultivation" by J. D. Vertrees & Peter Gregory, page 206
Back to main acers page |
