Platano Acerifolia X Ibrido

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Platanaceae

Order

Saxifragales

Genus

Platanus

Species

acerifolia

Description

First-class deciduous polyennial tree with an upright habit and globular expanded crown. Appreciated at ornamental level for its vegetal architecture, its distinctive thin-plate bark and its deep green foliage that gradually changes during the autumn period in a foliage process that embraces golden yellow shades and becomes an explosion of light and elegance. Its wide use in landscape planning in urban areas for tree planting along avenues and park areas, thanks also to its high tolerance of atmospheric pollution, as well as in private gardens, must be based on a careful assessment of the available space, in view of the size attained and the optimal growing conditions. The common plane tree is in fact a heliophilous species that prefers full sun exposures in well-drained, deep and cool soil. It tolerates winter cold well and shows medium to high drought resistance once established in the new planting site.

Variety description

Medium to fast growing, large tree (over 30 metres) with characteristic spotted and flaking bark. Orderly habit with broad crown, deep green leaves turning yellow in autumn. Hanging, round, woody fruits with thorns. Excellent adaptability to various soil types and growing environments, including urban climates. Requires a sunny exposure, but tolerates partly shady areas. Develops a deep root in the soil, with many secondary roots; prefers clay and sandy soils, but grows well in all soil types. It tolerates ground cover, but the root development at maturity can alter the ground cover. Multi-purpose tree, suitable for park areas, urban and suburban boulevards, gardens, residential and industrial green areas; also recommended for rural landscaping, but not for roof gardens. Has good drought resistance and adaptability to coastal areas.

Curiosities and special features

The Common Platanus is characterised by its resilience to air pollution, its widespread use since the 1700s was in fact also related to its ability to resist coal contamination in large industrial cities of the time such as London, from which the common name London Platanus derives. The bark itself flakes off in large flakes to disperse pollutants, potentially bringing greater benefits to air quality.

In addition to ornamental use, it is coppiced in rows for firewood production.

Origin and distribution

The Common Platanus originated from hybridisation in the 17th century, in Spain for some scientific research and in London for others, between Platanus occidentalis and Platanus orientalis, the former originating in America and Canada and introduced into Europe in 1636, while the latter is indigenous to the eastern Mediterranean. Today it is one of the most widespread ornamental trees in Italy.

Leaf

The leaf provides an elegant decorative accent with its palmately toothed lobes.

Flowering period

The inconspicuous flowering lasts from mid- to late spring for 10 to 20 days, displaying male and female inflorescences followed by the distinctive globular infructescences borne by long peduncles.

Leaf colour

Solid colour gradually turning to yellow in autumn.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 5 to 35 m, representing a first-class tree to which a suitable growing space must be ensured, apart from a careful assessment of the planting site.

Lifespan

Polyennial deciduous tree.

Where to plant

Due to its size and large crown, it is suitable for use in open fields Thanks to its rusticity and excellent tolerance of air pollution, the Common Plane tree is widely used in urban and non-urban settings in tree-lined boulevards and park areas as well as in outdoor residential recreational spaces.

Stem

Tree with a woody stem and characteristic exfoliating bark with irregular thin plates in various grey colour gradations.

Growth

The common plane tree has a relatively fast medium to vigorous growth rate.

Plant habit

Upright tree with initially pyramidal crown that later becomes globular and expanded.

Branching

abundant and sympodial with large main branches inserting on the stem at 45 °C.

PH

It prefers soils with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral, in the optimal range of 6.0 to 7.0. Also pay attention to irrigation water, preferably sub-acidic, so as not to alter the optimal acidity level required by the plant.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting, choose the most suitable location, in relation to the needs of the plant, and use a spade to make the planting hole of a size proportionate to the root ball. The planting soil should preferably be of a medium consistency, free of weeds and bulky pebbles; it is advisable to bury organic substance and to apply organic pelleted fertiliser for a basic fertilisation to ensure that the plant is supplied with nutrients in the early post-transplant phase.

Sun exposure

In the pre-transplant phase, choose positions exposed in half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 30 °C for optimum vegetative growth. The biological temperature is between -10 and 40 °C. It adapts well to cold winter climates, even in frozen soil conditions.

Use

Because of its role as an attractive focal point due to its vegetal architecture, it is appreciated at the design and execution level in public and private green areas such as

Outdoor ornamental Outdoor Landscape Design Landscaping

Hardiness

Ahighly rustic tree, it has good ecological adaptability, tolerating winter cold and short periods of drought.

Soil

Suitable for various soil types and growing environments, however, the best soil condition is well-drained, fresh, deep and fertile soil.

Difficulty

The cultivation of the common plane tree is easy, with an overall average level of management effort.

Growing tips

Here are some specific cultivation aspects and tricks to achieve better vegetative growth:

Plant that adapts very well to cold winter climates, and also thrives in frozen soil conditions. Correct pruning

Indiscriminate pruning of the stem and branches by means of "pruning" not only leads to an alteration of the natural habitus of the plant, but also to a lower resistance to biotic and abiotic agents as well as to a greater danger of the entire specimen failing.

Planting

For transplanting, adopt an average density of 2000 plants/ha, choosing healthy specimens, free from abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Always identify the planting site in advance in relation to the growth conditions required by the species according to the principle of 'the right plant in the right place'.

It is advisable to place the root ball in the previously dug planting hole, keeping it well compacted around the root and keeping the plant collar off the soil surface. Water after transplanting without causing water stagnation.

Pruning

Carry out training pruning in winter to shape the shape of the foliage and determine its structure as well as adjust the scaffolding of the branches. Proceed by making clean cuts with sharp, clean blades.

Propagation

Multiplication can be by cuttings or grafting.

Watering

When transplanting, assist the plant to allow it to develop its root system in the best possible way in the new site by keeping it at a constant humidity free of water stagnation and dryness. Afterwards, prevent water saturation conditions and give quantities with frequencies and doses also commensurate with the climatic trend during the different seasons.

Fertilising

When preparing the soil for transplanting, carry out a background fertilisation by applying organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants to the soil, thus guaranteeing the nutrients needed during the plant's establishment in the new planting site.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible Species.

Tip

In order to obtain a healthy, well-developed pinata, it is advisable to avoid drastic pruning and trunk pruning; always leave the tree 'dressed' with at least 40 per cent branching and foliage.