We have planted coral bark Japanese maples (sango kaku) for several years,
mostly with good results.

Our present one, which is five years old and about 10 feet high, produced a
surprise this fall: The usual brilliant golden leaves, but also, on the top
branches, beautiful orange-red leaves.

It was as if there were two trees growing from the same trunk.

The yellow leaves have fallen, but the orange-red leaves are still there as
of late November.

Any idea what could cause this?