Are sycamore and London Plane trees the same?
The London Plane is of hybrid origin – it is the offspring of two different species, the American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and the Oriental plane (Platanus orientalis), and it is a tree that did not exist prior to European colonization of the new world.
Where did London Plane trees come from?
According to the Woodland Trust, the London plane’s parents were the oriental plane and the American plane, which come from two different continents on the opposite sides of the world. It is thought they hybridised naturally in Spain and at some point made their way to Britain in the 17th century.
Is a sycamore tree a maple?
Sycamore Maple Tree (Acer pseudoplatanus) Although the tree is named sycamore, this tree species is in the genus Acer which means it is one of the types of maple trees. Also called the plane tree maple, sycamore maple trees thrive in zones 4 to 7.
Why is it called a plane tree?
The genus name Platanus, is the classical name for the plane tree, from the Greek platus, meaning broad, in reference to the wide leaves. The species name, acerifolia, means maple leaf, in reference to the shape of the leaves. The symbol x in the Latin name indicates that London plane-tree is a hybrid species.
Are London plane tree roots invasive?
The London Plane can develop massive trunks with spreading crowns, and live for centuries. But its success has been part of its demise. Its roots are so tough and aggressive, that it can lift sidewalks and curbs, invade sewer pipes, and crack building foundations.
Is London plane tree toxic?
Well-Known Member. The thing is… as soon as someone official says “its not poisonous…” they open themselves up to any number of probably spurious lawsuits hoping for an out of court settlement. There are no recorded cases of London Plane causing poisoning in equids.
How long does a plane tree live?
The London plane can grow to 35m and live for several hundred years. The bark is olive green to grey, with large scaly plates that peel off to reveal a creamy bark beneath.
What is a plane tree in the Bible?
The oriental plane tree, Platanus orientalis, is a very close relative of the common sycamore, Platanus occidentalis, of Eastern North America. In several translations of the Bible a species of fig is called sycamore, a corruption of “sycamine”.
Is a London plane tree messy?
London plane trees tend to be a somewhat messy, seemingly dropping something every day of the year. In fall, when other deciduous trees are dropping their leaves, the London plane leaves die, but persist on the branches throughout the entire winter. Sycamore trees have very interesting and attractive, mottled bark.
Is a London plane tree fast growing?
Plane – London Plane Description: Large deciduous, extremely hardy tree. Grows up to 1 metre per year.
What you should know before planting a sycamore?
Before planting your sycamore make sure to plan well in advance. Sycamore trees are predominantly care free. However, if you notice that the leaves are curling , or that they have fewer new buds, there is a problem with insects, or disease. Treat your sycamore and protect it from any infestation each spring.
What is London plane?
The London plane is a hybrid plane tree that developed from the accidental cross-breeding of the American sycamore and the Oriental plane. Tall and stately, with some trees reaching heights of 98 feet (30 m), London planes have greenish-gray trunks, twisted branches and a glossy green foliage.
How can you identify a sycamore tree?
The native sycamore has a broad, outreaching canopy and its bark is unique among trees—you can recognize a sycamore just by looking at the jigsaw shapes of its bark. A sycamore can also be identified by its broad, maple-like leaves and button-shaped seeds.
What are the uses of sycamore trees?
Timber. Sycamore wood has a wide and twisting grain structure and is commonly used to manufacture decorative goods. It is used for furniture in small lumber pieces as the wood is not very strong. The wood is milled into thin narrow layers and the bark into strips to make woven baskets and other decorative objects.
