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 there plane trees in the US?
plane tree, any of the 10 species of the genus Platanus, the only genus of the family Platanaceae. These large trees are native in North America, eastern Europe, and Asia and are characterized by scaling bark; large, deciduous, usually palmately lobed leaves; and globose heads of flower and seed.
What is another name for a plane tree?
The American plane tree, or sycamore (P. occidentalis), also known as buttonwood, buttonball, or whitewood, is the tallest, sometimes reaching a height of more than 50 m (160 feet).
Why do London plane trees shed bark?
According to Richards, there are many theories about why London Planetrees shed their bark: Exfoliating bark can help the tree rid itself of soot and other pollutants that might accumulate over time. The tree’s photosynthesis may take place in the tree’s cortex, the layer of tissue just below the bark.
Is a plane tree a maple?
plane tree, any of the 10 species of the genus Platanus, the only genus of the family Platanaceae. The plane trees bear flowers of both sexes on the same tree but in different clusters. The sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), often called sycamore, plane, or mock plane, is distinct (see maple).
Why does sycamore bark peel?
The bark of most young trees is smooth and thin. As the tree grows, the bark layer thickens with the outermost tissue eventually dying. Continued growth pushes the bark outward, sometimes causing the outer layers to crack. On some trees, the outer dead layers peel and drop off, revealing the inner layers of bark.