Discover the maple scientific name, genus, types like red and sugar maple, and their uses. Learn about maple trees ’ biology, growth, and natural benefits. Learn how to grow beautiful maple trees with expert tips on care, planting, pruning, and design. Includes common issues and top varieties to try. Maple is the common name for any member of the flowering plant genus Acer, a group of about 125 species of mostly deciduous trees and shrubs in the Northern Hemisphere. Most maples are native to Asia, but several species also occur in North America, northern Africa, and Europe. They are characterized by opposite, generally palmate (divided into many lobes) leaves, and fruit that is borne in pairs with two long wings for wind dispersal. Reflecting the principle that living organisms not only ... Maple trees belong to the genus Acer. That’s their scientific name! They are part of the Sapindaceae family. There are more than 130 types (species) of maple trees . These beautiful plants usually live in areas where it gets cool and has four seasons—such as North America, Europe, and Asia.