London plane, Platanus x acerifoliaA hybrid between Platanus orientalis from Asia Minor and P. occidentalis from eastern North America. It is a very variable tree in Britain and several cultivars are available. Sources of seed and plants Believed to have originated in Oxford around 1663, it has been widely planted and grows best in southern England but also grows well as far north as Edinburgh. London plane normally is propagated from cuttings. The shoots should be taken from trees with straight stems and small branches. Silviculture A light demanding tree which throws a light shade. It is not often grown in plantations, although some of the smaller London squares are quite densely stocked with trees. Soil types Does best on light loams but tolerates deep clays if well drained and neither too acid nor lime rich. Rate of growth and yield Young trees grow quickly with alternate upward pointing branches to give a rounded crown. It grows rapidly up to 50 years and commonly attains heights of 30 metres with stem diameters of 90 to 120 cms and clear boles of 9 metres. Trees remain healthy for more than 200 years. Protection and resistance The most widespread and serious disease is Gnomonia veneta, which kills leaves and twigs. London plane is damaged by late spring frosts but it is resistant to atmospheric pollution and to drought. As the stem expands the bark is shed in flakes leaving a pattern like a jigsaw puzzle whose pieces vary in colour from pale cream through green to dark brown. London plane does not withstand exposure to wind. Establishing and tending Requires care in planting. Does not often set viable seed in Britain. It coppices strongly. Timber properties A diffuse porous wood with fine, even texture and light colour resembling beech. The sapwood is not normally distinct from the heartwood. Usually straight-grained the numerous broad medullary rays produce a highly decorative lacelike figure. Of' medium density (620 kg/m3 seasoned), the timber dries fairly rapidly but tends to distort. It is very good for bending and good for staining and polishing. Amenity value The large smooth leaves, patterned bark, the flowers and fruit and habit of London plane make it an outstanding ornamental for towns and cities. Conservation In Britain it acts as host to very few insects. Timber value The large smooth leaves, patterned bark, the flowers and fruit and habit of London plane make it an outstanding ornamental for towns and cities. Economic appraisal Has been almost exclusively planted as an ornamental tree in parks and squares. Its rapid growth makes it worthy of' wider use in woodlands in the lowlands of England as a producer of a valuable decorative wood, a suitable rotation being 60 years. |
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