London Plane
Platanus X hispanica or P. acerifolia
London Plane trees result from a cross pollination, first recorded in Spain over 300 years ago, between Oriental (P. orientalis) and North American (P. occidentalis) Plane trees. London Planes are generally similar in appearance to either parent species but with small differences in the leaf shape and seed cluster formations. All three species can be identified by peeling bark on the trunk and larger branches and the ball shaped clusters of seeds hanging from long stalks which remain throughout the winter, after leaf fall. The outer bark is smooth and has a light brownish colour. As the tree ages, irregular shaped pieces of this outer bark fall to reveal cream coloured patches of the inner bark beneath. Plane tree leaves and seeds are covered with tiny hairs which can cause respiratory problems if inhaled. Dead leaves are tough and take a long time to decay naturally. If left to grow unchecked, branches can extend to the ground and take root.
Situation
Because they grow rapidly and are very tolerant to pollution and regular pruning, London Planes are frequently planted in towns and cities where they are common in parks and pavements. They can reach an ultimate height of over 30m.
Season/Life cycle
| Flowers | Leaves | Fruit |
| 2 or 3 grape sized balls appear on long stalks hanging from twigs in early Spring and resembling Christmas tree baubles | Large, light green and similar to Sycamore but with more acute lobes and covered in fine hairs. | Brown ball shaped clusters developing from the flowers. Each ball comprises dozens of tiny seeds with a hairy tuft. |
Uses
Planted mainly as an ornamental tree in parks and larger gardens and in urban situations where it can be regularly cut to contain its size and spread. The timber, referred to as Lacewood, has been used for decorative inlay work and in the mechanisms of some pianos.
