Platanus orientalis (Oriental Plane) is a Tree which grows to a height of 30m and a width of 30m . It has a fast growth rate. It has a hardness rating of 7.
Oriental Plane will flower in November. the seeds ripen from April to August
The flowers from this plant are monoecious (both sexes are found on the plant but each flower is either male or female) and they are pollinated by.
Family: | Platanaceae |
Habit: | Tree |
Height: | 30 |
Width: | 30 |
Synonyms: | P. vulgaris. |
Range: | S.E. Europe to W. Asia. |
Platanus orientalis Growing Guide
Soil Information
Oriental Plane will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following pH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Oriental Plane prefers moist soils.
Ideal Planting Locations
Oriental Plane should not be planted in shady areas.
By rivers in forests in the hills.
Planting places suited to this plant described below.
- Grows within a woodland garden
- Is suited as a canopy tree
Platanus orientalis Cultivation Details
Requires a sunny position in a deep fertile well-drained soil. A fast growing species, established plants are drought tolerant. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and compacted soils. This species is hardy in most areas of Britain but the trees do not do well in northern parts of the country, requiring hotter summers than are normally experienced there. A very ornamental and very long lived tree. It is immune to 'Plane tree wilt' fungus. Very tolerant of root disturbance, trees up to 5 metres tall can be moved quite easily.
Platanus orientalis Medicinal Uses*
* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 2/5
The leaves are astringent and vulnerable. The fresh leaves are bruised and applied to the eyes in the treatment of ophthalmia. A decoction is used to treat dysentery and a cream made from the leaves is used to heal wounds and chilblains. The leaves are harvested in the spring and summer and can be dried for later use. The bark is boiled in vinegar and then used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, hernias and toothache.
- Astringent - Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
- Ophthalmic - Treats eye complaints.
- Vulnerary - Promotes the healing of wounds.
Platanus orientalis Propagation
Seed - two months cold stratification improves germination. Sow spring in a cold frame in light shade. Home grown seed is often of poor quality and low viability. It is best to harvest the seed in late winter or spring and then show it immediately in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of mature wood of the current years growth, 20 - 30 cm with a heel, autumn in a cold frame. Easy. Layering of stools in spring or autumn. Takes 12 months.
Known Hazards
In hot dry climates the hairs of the fruits and leaves are believed to cause an effect similar to hay fever.
Other Uses
A fabric dye is obtained from the branches and roots. The colour is not given. Wood - tough, difficult to split, not durable. It is not esteemed for carpentry, but has certain advantages in cabinet making, it is also used for inlay work and wood pulp.
- Dye - Plants that provide dyes.
- Wood - A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
References
Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement.
- Bean. W.
- Author: Bean. W.
- Rating:
- Publisher : A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
- Date of Publication : 1981
Flowers of the Mediterranean.
- Polunin. O. and Huxley. A.
- Author: Polunin. O. and Huxley. A.
- Rating:
- Publisher : A very readable pocket flora that is well illustrated. Gives some information on plant uses.
- Date of Publication : 1987
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
- Huxley. A.
- Author: Huxley. A.
- Rating:
- Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
- Date of Publication : 1992
