What is the reason why maple leaves turn red in autumn?

Maple leaves turn red in autumn because they contain many pigments.

They are chlorophyll, lutein, carotene, carotenoids and anthocyanins. In the growing season of plants, due to the absolute advantage of chlorophyll, the leaves are tender green. As autumn approaches, the temperature drops, chlorophyll synthesis is blocked, and leaves containing lutein and carotene turn yellow.

Red maple is a kind of red leaf tree, which produces a red pigment called anthocyanin in autumn, making the leaves appear red. Therefore, after the chlorophyll of maple leaves decreases in autumn, the green leaves slowly turn red. However, due to this unique red color, maple trees are more lively, full of vitality and have higher ornamental value in the depressed autumn.