Contents
Description
The Platanus Orientalis, commonly known as the Oriental Plane Tree, is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20-30 meters tall. It is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, and it is often planted as an ornamental tree in parks, gardens, and along streets due to its attractive bark and foliage. The bark is smooth and beige with patches of white, green, and brown, which peel off to reveal a new layer of bark underneath.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Proteales |
| Family | Platanaceae |
| Genus | Platanus |
Appearance
The leaves of the Oriental Plane Tree are large, palmate, and lobed, with a glossy green color that turns yellow in the fall. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and they bloom in the spring. The fruit is a spherical cluster of achenes with a hairy stem that becomes brown and woody when mature. The tree has a broad and spreading crown, which can provide ample shade during the summer months.
Care Guide
The Oriental Plane Tree is relatively easy to care for, but it requires adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones to thrive. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5 and a moderate amount of water. Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weeds. The tree prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 7-9, and it can withstand moderate drought and heat.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Oriental Plane Tree is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including powdery mildew, anthracnose, canker, leaf spot, and scales. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems, while anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves and can lead to defoliation. Canker is a bacterial disease that causes sunken lesions on the bark and can lead to dieback, while leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. Scales are small insects that feed on the sap of the tree and can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To prevent and control these pests and diseases, prune infected branches, remove fallen leaves and debris, and apply fungicides and insecticides as needed.
Habitat
The Oriental Plane Tree is found in a variety of habitats, including riverbanks, floodplains, and urban areas. It prefers moist and well-drained soil and can withstand periodic flooding. The tree is tolerant of air pollution and can grow in areas with high levels of smog and dust. It is often planted in cities and towns as a shade tree and to reduce urban heat island effects.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Oriental Plane Tree a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, the Oriental Plane Tree is a fast-growing tree that can grow up to 2 meters per year under optimal conditions.
Q: Does the Oriental Plane Tree have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, the bark of the Oriental Plane Tree has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and respiratory infections.
Q: Can the Oriental Plane Tree be grown as a bonsai tree?
A: Yes, the Oriental Plane Tree can be grown as a bonsai tree due to its hardiness and adaptability.
Q: How long does the Oriental Plane Tree live?
A: The Oriental Plane Tree can live up to 200-400 years under ideal growing conditions.
Related Plants
- Platanus acerifolia
- Platanus occidentalis
- Platanus x acerifolia
- Platanus x hispanica
- Platanus racemosa
References
- “Platanus Orientalis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 9, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k080.
- “Oriental Plane Tree (Platanus Orientalis).” The Spruce. Accessed October 9, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/growing-oriental-plane-tree-3269334.
- “Platanus Orientalis.” PlantFiles. Accessed October 9, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1229/.
