Oriental Plane

Oriental Plane-tree – Platanus orientalis (Platanaceae)
A deciduous, angiosperm native to Eurasia from the Balkans to India which crosses with American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). The Oriental Plane-tree is grown widely for shade. This specimen at UVic is reputed to have been grown from a seed brought from the tree under which Hippocrates taught medicine on the island of Kos. Leaves of the Oriental Plane tree can be distinguished from those of maple because the bottom-most veins are not palmate. The puzzle-like bark and globose fruits are also distinguishing features.