Plane Tree
Latin name:
Platanus x orientalis, P. acerifolia, P. orientalis, P. occidentalis
Description:
Plane trees (also called sycamore) are huge trees, with a characteristic bark which peels off in large scales. The outer scales are usually dark, the inner parts appear in a bright yellowish to brownish colour, resulting in a very nice dark-and-bright pattern characteristic for plane trees.In Europe, the tree is native in the East and in the Mediterranean, wherever there is very good water supply (along brooks, around fountains). Cultivations guarantee their growth as ornamental trees in most cities, as they are resistant against air pollution. The leaves look very much alike maple leaves. Flowers, both female and male, are concentrated in small spheres on more or less distinct and long pendulous stalks.
Start of the season:
The season ranges from March to May, depending on the geographical latitude.
Allergenicity:
The plane tree shows moderate to high allergenicity.
Crossreactions are known mainly with birch, but also alder, hazel, hornbeam, oak, beech, sweet chestnut, and to some extent with grass pollen.
