Platane

Platane is a genus of flowering plants in the family Platanaceae. The genus consists of a single species, Platanus orientalis, commonly known as the Oriental plane. This deciduous tree is native to a wide area stretching from the Balkans east to Iran and Afghanistan. It is a large, long-lived tree, often reaching heights of 30 to 50 meters with a trunk diameter of up to 10 meters.

The Oriental plane is characterized by its striking mottled bark, which peels off in irregular patches to reveal lighter layers underneath, creating a camouflage-like pattern. Its leaves are large, palmate, and deeply lobed, typically with five to seven pointed lobes. The fruit is a spherical, bristly head composed of many small achenes, which typically disperses in autumn or winter.

Historically, the Oriental plane has held cultural significance in many regions. It was often planted in public spaces, such as courtyards of mosques and alongside rivers, for its shade and ornamental appeal. Its wood has also been used for various purposes, including furniture and construction. The species is known for its adaptability to different soil types and its tolerance to pollution, making it a common sight in urban environments, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. While Platanus orientalis is the primary species, the genus Platane is sometimes used colloquially or in older botanical texts to refer to other species within the Platanus genus, such as Platanus acerifolia, the London plane, which is a hybrid of Platanus orientalis and Platanus occidentalis.