Acer is a
genus of trees or shrubs commonly known as
maple. There are approximately 128
species, most of which are native to Asia, with a number also appearing in Europe, northern Africa, and North America. Only one species,
Acer laurinum, extends to the Southern Hemisphere. The
type species of the genus is the sycamore maple,
Acer pseudoplatanus, the most common maple species in Europe.