Just One of the (Fun) Reasons to Grow From Seed

[CapeCodBonsai]

You can get some interesting and pleasant surprises . . . especially with a species like Acer palmatum.

I planted a handful of seed from an unknown cultivar of a red japanese maple that was growing on the grounds of the school where I work. A few of the seedlings are showing some unexpected genetic variation.

A couple are showing lace leaf characteristics
And then there is this freak

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

That freak could be called swallow tail because it looks like an abstract swallow bird.

 

[CapeCodBonsai]

That freak could be called swallow tail because it looks like an abstract swallow bird.

That’s perfect!

My wife suggested a different name . . . Acer palmatum ‘Rorschach Test’

I like your suggestion much better!

 

[CapeCodBonsai]

The Google authorities have this to say:
Swallows (tsubame) are annual migrants arriving in Japan in the early spring. The swallow is also a symbol of good luck, fidelity in marriage, and fertility.

Acer palmatum ‘Tsubame’ ?