The scientific name used for Acer buergerianum var. formosanum is still confusing. Main purpose of this paper is to determine its relationship based on molecular evidense and to clarify the scientific name of this taxon by reviewing published literatures. Our analyses suggest that A. buergerianum var. fonnosanum is more closely related to A. albopurpurascens than to A. buergerianum var. buergerianum. Besides, plants suspected to be hybridized between A. buerge rianum var. formosanum and A. albopurpurascens has been recorded. In consequence, they are considered to be conspecific , and Acer albopurpurascens Hay. var. formosanum (Matsum. et Hay. ex Koidz.) c.Y. Tzeng & S.F. Huang trans. nov. is here proposed.