Acer palmatum 'Akaji Nishiki'

The cultivar names 'Bonfire', 'Seigai', and 'Akaji Nishiki' seem to be hopelessly confused in the nursery trade. Some sources list all three as synonymous while others claim one is distinct and the other two are synonymous with each other. Still others claim they are all distinct. There is also evidence that an Acer palmatum 'Akaji Nishiki' does not truly exist and that the cultivar name was somehow transferred from an Acer truncatum cultivar to an unknown selection of Acer palmatum. Greater consensus exists for 'Seigai' and 'Bonfire' being synonymous (with 'Seigai' given priority), with the plant known as 'Akaji Nishiki' being different, so we have followed this lead. If you have references or notable evidence to the contrary, please let us know! We are always interested in reducing confusion in the trade and helping home gardeners and professionals find the plants they are looking for.