As the World Goes Around

Acer saccharinum reproduction and life cycle is similar to most plants. Acer saccharinum has an alternation of generation; this means that both the haploid (1n) and diploid (2n) stages are multicellular. As a heterosporous plants, they can be found in both monoecious and dioecious forms. This means that the male and female reproductive parts are sometimes found on the same plant, but can also be found on two different plants. If they are found on the same plant, the ovulates (female) are found on a different section of the tree than the pollen (male). This reduces the chance of self fertilization.

The youngest that an Acer saccharinum can begin to produce seeds is at age eleven. Unlike most maples,
This image shows the life cycle of a flowering plant such as Acer saccharinum.Acer saccharinum goes through meiosis in the fall to produce its reproductive cells. This allows it to be one of the first trees to bloom in spring, and gives the tree an advantage in pollination. Birds and insects help to pollinate the flowers. Once pollinated,  a fruit begins to rapidly form. In less than a day, a pollinated flower starts to swell. The fruit is matured within three weeks, and turns from a greenish red color to a yellowish brown. From April to June, the fruits continue to ripen. Once the fruit ripens the keys (as described in morphology) get carried by the wind. The best soil for one of these seeds to grow in is moist, with a large amount of minerals and organic matter. If conditions are right, seeds will germinate immediately.

Continue on and learn how Acer saccharinum absorbs
nutrients.

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