Dwarf Acer truncatum Baby Dragon Sun Tolerant Maple
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a dwarf maple tree variety that can thrive in hot climates and heavily alkaline soils, providing consistent and vibrant foliage colors while being tolerant to full sun and drought conditions, as existing dwarf maples often burn in direct sunlight and lack consistent color variations.
Innovation Solution
Acer truncatum 'Baby Dragon' is a dwarf maple tree with a weeping, bushy habit, small leaves, and persistent pink new growth, developing deep yellow and red fall colors, which is highly tolerant to direct summer sun, low-light conditions, and drought, making it suitable for rock gardens and foundation planting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If dwarf maple varieties are used, then the tree size is reduced for garden suitability, but the foliage color consistency and sun tolerance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting and propagating a specific mutant variant of Acer truncatum that exhibits altered physiological parameters - specifically, this dwarf variant maintains consistent pink new growth coloration and enhanced sun tolerance compared to typical dwarf maples. The asexual reproduction through grafting and cuttings preserves these altered parameters across generations, ensuring reliability of foliage color consistency in the dwarf form.
2Volume of moving object
If dwarf maple varieties are used, then the tree size is reduced for garden suitability, but the sun tolerance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by identifying and propagating a dwarf Acer truncatum variant with altered physiological parameters that confer enhanced sun tolerance. This variant exhibits darker foliage pigmentation and altered leaf structure that reduce sun scorch, allowing dwarf maples to thrive in full sun conditions where traditional dwarf varieties fail.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If Acer truncatum is used, then heat and sun tolerance is improved, but the foliage color variety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting a specific variant of Acer truncatum that exhibits altered physiological parameters - specifically, consistent pink new growth coloration that persists through summer and into fall. This variant maintains the heat and sun tolerance characteristic of Acer truncatum while correcting the foliage color inconsistency through selective propagation of the pink-new-growth trait.
4Volume of moving object
If typical dwarf maples are used, then the tree size is reduced, but the drought resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by propagating a dwarf Acer truncatum variant with altered physiological parameters that include enhanced drought resistance. This variant exhibits deeper root development and altered water-use efficiency parameters, allowing dwarf maples to withstand drought conditions that typically stress small-statured varieties.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel variety of the maple tree Acer truncatum was discovered in North Texas. It has a distinct dwarf size and prolific, very small leaves which weigh down its thin, willowy branches, giving it a weeping bushy habit. It exhibits distinctive, pink new growth which persists throughout spring and summer and into fall, whereupon it develops striking, deep yellow and red fall colors. The variety known as ‘Baby Dragon’ also is highly tolerant to direct summer sun and low-light conditions alike, as well as drought conditions, especially for a dwarf variety.