Explore Platanus orientalis (Oriental Plane) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Platanus orientalis | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Oriental Plane, Eastern Plane, Old World Sycamore
Family: Platanaceae
Appearance: A large deciduous tree with a broad, spreading canopy, large lobed leaves, and mottled bark that peels in patches.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous
Layer: Canopy
Root System: Features an extensive and deep root system
Height: Up to 30 meters
Width: Can spread up to 20 meters
Lifespan: Can live for several centuries
Growth Rate: Fast
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same plant)
Pollinator: Wind-pollinated
Toxicity: Not known hazards
Platanus orientalis | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Southeastern Europe to Western Asia
Companionship: Often found with other large deciduous trees
Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 - 9
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: Moderate tolerance
Drought: Moderate tolerance once established
Shade: Low tolerance
Flood: High tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: High tolerance
Fire: Moderate tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Prefers moist conditions but can tolerate periods of drought once established
Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy or clay soils
Soil PH: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5 - 8.0)
Propagation
Seeds: Can be sown directly after cold stratification
Cuttings: Yes, hardwood cuttings
Platanus orientalis | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: Not typically used as an edible plant
Medicinal: Used in traditional medicine for its astringent properties
Cosmetics: Not typically used in cosmetics
Animal Feed: Not typically used as animal feed
Fiber: Not used for fiber
Timber: The wood is valued for furniture and veneer
Firewood: Can be used as firewood
Wind Break: Effective as a windbreak due to its large size and dense foliage
Fence: Not typically used as a barrier plant
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Not typically known as a pollinator attractor
Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat and food for various birds and insects
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