Leaf puzzle

The plant in the black pot is supposed to be an Acer but whereas the leaves on the right are Acer leaves the ones on the left are different.

Two different varieties of leaves growing from the same tree!

Is this possible?

A closer look.

Re: Leaf puzzle

That shrub looks more than this year's baby Carol, so does this happen every year?

Maybe something to do with the original grafting rootstock?

See if this helps:

" Sometimes grafted rootstocks can sucker and send out shoots that revert to the type of growth of the original tree. If these suckers are not cut off and removed, it can overtake the growth of the graft. ... Sometimes scion branches on grafted trees simply die, and the rootstock is free to regrow."

Re: Leaf puzzle

I agree with Mups

Re: Leaf puzzle

Yes it happens every year.

The biggest part of the plant doesn't look like an Acer at all!!

Re: Leaf puzzle

Hi Carol. Thank you for the wecome. Mups nailed it. Quite common with the Acers. You should cut this out as otherwise it may take over.

Re: Leaf puzzle

I agree, Takahashi, it needs cutting out. Only thing is, the 'sucker' part has got so big now, so there won't be much of the proper Acer left, do you think?

Re: Leaf puzzle

I don't really want to cut it out. I may just leave it & let it take over. Now I know it's common to Acers it doesn't worry me.