Platanus
| Sycamore / Plane tree |
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| Scientific classification |
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| Species |
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P. x acerifolia (London plane)
P. kerrii
P. occidentalis (American sycamore)
P. orientalis (Oriental plane)
P. racemosa (Western sycamore)
P. wrightii (Arizona sycamore)
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Trees of the genus Platanus are known as Sycamores in North America, and as Planes in England and Australia. They are the sole members of the '''Family Platanaceae.
- Platanus x acerifolia is the London Plane tree, a hybrid, commonly planted in parks and along streets in most cities with warmer temperate climates.
- P. kerrii is a somewhat anomalous species, native to Southeast Asia, and differs from the other species in having an unlobed leaf, and in the leaf stem not enclosing the axillary bud at its base.
- Platanus orientalis is the Oriental Plane, of southern Europe and Western Asia. It is a large forest tree.
- Platanus occidentalis is the American sycamore or Buttonwood is native to northeast North America. It is often found as a wetland or riparian trees.
- Platanus racemosa or California sycamore is found in western North America.
The seeds of the trees are borne in balls. Typically, the core of the ball is 1 cm in diameter and is covered with a net of mesh 1 mm, which can be peeled off. The ball is 3 cm in diameter and contains several hundred seeds, each of which is conical, with the point attached to the net, and has many thin stiff yellow-green fibers attached to the point.
Leaves and fruit of a London Plane tree
Under the Cronquist system, Platanus was placed in the Order Hamamelidales. Newer systems place it among the Proteales.
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