Plane family, Platanaceae
Origin: It probably originated from a cross between the Oriental Plane (Platanus orientalis) and the American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis).
Habitat in the original area: thermophilic and light-loving
Habitus: A tree growing to the height of about 40 metres, its crown broad. The bark consists of several different-coloured layers (from beige to grey) that peel off in sheets.
Leaf: Petiolate leaves grow alternately. Their blade is most often 5-lobed, divided from the middle, its length and wideness are up to 28 centimetres. The upper part is smooth and dark green, the lower part is lighter; there are trichomes on the veins. The lobes are elongated to the tip.
Bloom, fruit: It blooms in May with inconspicuous green blossoms growing in a head. The fruits are nuts hidden in a bristly fruit. They grow on a long stalk, most often in pairs.
Interesting fact: It is resistant to urban pollution, which is why it is often planted in parks and alleys. Small trichomes released from the decaying fruit can cause irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva and respiratory tract in sensitive people.
A heritage tree:
London Plane on the Eliška’s embankment
Declared: 20. 12. 2004
Height: 18 m
Tree trunk´s circumference: 431 cm