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Tree Project.

London Plane –Platanus Hispanica.

The London Plane is a cross between the American Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), and the Oriental plane and was first discovered in the 17th century in London, hence its name. It went on to be widely planted throughout London and elsewhere over the next 100 years, or so and indeed ever since. However, it is perhaps not the best of Trees to be planted in a City Landscape as it has tough and aggressive roots that can easily lift and damage Pavements and Curbs, as well invade Sewer pipes and even damage foundations of Buildings. However, it is because it is so tough that it copes well with the poor conditions of City life, and it does remove a lot of Toxins from the Atmosphere. The London Plane Tree is not a small tree either, as it can grow up to 35m and spread up to 30m whilst living up to 400 years. However, it is not the fastest growing tree reaching only 35 feet in about 20 years and it does mature at a fairly small size which adds to its appeal. It has large Maple, or Sycamore like leaves that are thick and leathery, and turn a rich orange-yellow in Autumn.
The London plane is Monoecious, which means that the ball-shaped male and female flowers develop on the same tree. Pollination occurs by wind, after which the female flowers develop into spiky fruits that look not unlike a Horse Chestnut Conker Case. However, these will not quickly fall and will often hang on bare Branches on the tree throughout much of the Winter giving the Tree a bit of a Surreal appearance on a dark, but Moonlit Winters night. Eventually, the Fruit, which is really a dense ball of seeds, starts to break up releasing the seeds within and the stiff hairs on the Seeds help the Wind to scatter them. Unfortunately, as popular as the London Plane is, it is not very popular with Wildlife and only the Seeds are eaten by Squirrels.

When trees are felled the Timber obtained from London Plane Trees is not much good for external use, but has an attractive golden brown appearance with dark flecks that in the past made it popular for making Veneers. It is a hard wood with a tight grain that was also used to make panelling, flooring, boxes and even Barbers Poles.







 

 

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