Does any one know why Maple tree seeds are called keys ?

Answer 1

I actually haven't heard that one but I can see why they would be called keys; they are shaped much like a key. In this area they're called whirligigs because of the way they twirl as they fall from the tree.

Answer 2

It's not really the seed that's called the keys, it's the fruit, so to speak, that contains the seed. It's a key because it "opens" to expose the seed.

Answer 3

Samara:

A dry, indehiscent, winged, often one-seeded fruit, as of the ash, elm, or maple. Also called key fruit

[Latin, elm seed.]

so since it looks like an elm seed, its the latin for elm seed. as far as key fuit goes, i'm gonna say its because of the shape (round with a long trapazoid kinda thing) it looks like a key hole

Answer 4

They are termed 2 ways...butterfly and keys. All because of their shape. They either resemble a butterfly shape or key shape depending on the strains.

ps bluesj..whirligigs are the leave with the seedpod inside ..as it drops down it whirls around spiral while dropping. They are fun to watch.

Answer 5

It is because of their shape.