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Acer mutating?

Afternoon all,

On our Sango Kaku there are a few branches that appear to be growing a lot quicker than the rest and the leaves look a slightly different shape and colour to the rest.

I’ve read about Acers mutating, but wondered if I’m just going crazy! Does anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks

”Normal shape and colour”:



New growth (sprouting from top of the main branch) - slightly chunkier leaves?:



Some leaves are also turning purple:


Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Where's the graft point? If the different growth is from below the graft, it's the rootstock trying to take over. Otherwise yes, it's reverted. Either way prune out the branches with the different leaves, right down to where it meets the main growth that has the correct variety leaves. The reverted/rootstock part is likely to be more vigorous and will eventually out-compete the rest if left to grow.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Thank you. It is above the graft point. 

    There are a few branches I’m not convinced by so I will prune them as you described. 

    Do you agree that the leaves look different? I don’t want to kill any that are actually ok, but they are quite similar. Is the quicker growth the biggest giveaway, like as you said, these parts are more vigorous?
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