Approximately 200 species of deciduous trees and shrubs comprising the genus Acer are known as maples. The appearance of maples varies considerably, but most exhibit thick, brightly colored foliage in the autumn months. Maples are popular ornamentals in temperate regions and some varieties are valued in the timber industry for their hard, close-grained wood, which can be used to produce high-quality furniture. The maple tree is perhaps best-known, however, for the sweet sap commonly harvested by tapping certain North American species. The maple syrup that traditionally is served accompanying pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast foods is produced by boiling down and processing the sap.