The botanists argue the leaf shown features more sections and has a more pointed outline than the Canadian version.
The maple leaf is featured on the new C$20, C$50 and C$100 notes, which were introduced in November.
Bank of Canada officials say the image is a “stylized” leaf, created with the help of a botanist.
“I think it’s just an after-the-fact excuse,” said Sean Blaney, senior botanist at the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre, who first brought the image to the attention of the broadcaster CBC.
The Norway maple, however, is a popular tree in central and eastern Canada, after being imported from Europe.
“It has naturalized to Canada,” Sean Blaney said.
“This could not be confused with a native species of Canada,” Julian Starr, a botany professor at the University of Ottawa, told the CBC.
The leaf on Canada’s flag is stylized, but in such a way that it still looks like the native species, Julian Starr later told CTV.
In August, the Bank of Canada apologized for removing an image of an “Asian-looking” woman from the design of the new $100 bank note.
The polymer banknotes have also faced criticism for not working in many vending machines.
Quincy Jones, the celebrated musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray…
Misleading allegations, rumours and outright lies about voting and fraud are flooding online spaces in…
At least 158 people have died in Spain's worst flooding disaster in generations. On October…
Google has been fined two undecillion (a two followed by 36 zeroes) roubles by a…
Embarking on a home remodel is an exciting journey, promising enhanced comfort, increased property value,…
The US presidential candidates continued to campaign across key swing states on October 20. Footage…