London Plane

London Plane or European Plane (Platanus × acerifolia)

The London plane tree (Platanus × acerifolia), also known as the hybrid plane, is a crossbreed between the Oriental plane and the Western plane. It is often planted in urban environments due to its high tolerance for air pollution and urban stress factors. This large, fast-growing tree can reach heights of 30-35 meters. It features large, three- or five-lobed leaves similar to those of maples. Its bark peels off in scales, giving the tree a distinctive, mottled appearance.

The average weight of the London Plane tree is 560 kg/m3. Its wood is similar to maple. It is not durable, but it can be easily shaped, carved and turned.

The plant itself is warm and light-loving. It needs extra water for its good growth (the natural distribution area of the two "parent" basic species is the floodplain), but it can be planted in deep soils with good water management.

sources:

• Wood database
• Csaba Nagy: Forest botany