The family Aceraceae, commonly known as the maple family, includes about 150 species of trees and shrubs. These plants are primarily found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The most well-known member is the Acer genus, which includes various species of maples, recognized for their distinctive leaves and vibrant fall colors. Members of the Aceraceae family are often characterized by their opposite leaf arrangement and winged seeds, known as samaras. Many species are valued for their wood, ornamental qualities, and syrup production, particularly the Acer saccharum, or sugar maple, which is famous for its sap used in making maple syrup.