Single leaf of the London Form
London plane tree - click here for more photographs
Single leaf of the London Form
The name 'London Form' is used here to refer to one single clone or group of very similar clones, usually called the 'London Plane'. The name is taken from an usage in Bean's manual. I use this name because the name 'London Plane' has been applied to both this specific form, and to the other distinct forms of the hybrid plane tree, Platanus x acerifolia. The 'London Form' is common only in inner London within the London area. A detailed account of this tree is given in Bean, under the heading P. acerifolia. The remaining trees in London, which often may form the majority in the suburbs would be described under P. x acerifolia, and where appropriate under other cultivar names.
Tree - This tree is a very large strong growing tree, usually with a single clear trunk to some height. (In P. 'Pyramidalis' the clear trunk is often short, and the tree itself does not reach the same height at a given age.)
Bark - This flakes in patches on trunk and older branches, leaving a dappled trunk. (In 'Pyramidalis' the lower trunk on mature trees may shed bark less frequently, thus producing a darker bark.)
Crown - Branches are sinuous, as are the smaller shoots, producing a crown with a characteristic lacy winter appearance. The tips of side branches may droop. (In 'Pyramidalis' the branches tend to be straight, and do not droop at the tips. 'Augustine Henry' and P. orientalis have somewhat sinuous branches, not as contorted as in the London plane. Branches of 'Augustine Henry' also droop, often more than the London plane.)
Shoot and young leaves - These are covered in down as in all planes, shed on mature tissue. They are moderately affected by anthracnose and many early leaves are damaged by this in London. (Platanus orientalis and its varieties are little affected by this disease.)
Leaf shape - Leaves commonly come with 5 palmate lobes (sometimes 3 or 7 lobes), central lobe usually as long or slightly longer than wide, toothed. Base of leaf blade is varied, truncate to cordate but on a typical summer leaf it is cordate. Down is retained on vein axils on the underside of leaves. The leaf size on typical leaves can be 15 to 19cm wide and 20 to 25cm long. (Leaf shape is variable, both between clones and within a clone; see detailed accounts of the other forms for contrasts.)
Leaf colour - The colour is a medium green above, paler below, somewhat glossy. (Most other forms are similar in leaf colour and texture, but 'Pyramidalis' by contrast has dark rich green glossy foliage.)
Axillary buds - These are conical or pointed, typically 5-6mm across at the base, 9-11mm long, bluntly pointed. (They are smaller than in P. Pyramidalis). They turn reddish purple through the winter.
Fruits - Flowers and fruit are borne in groups of 1-4 on a stem on short lateral growths, and they can be up to 30 mm across. (In P. 'Pyramidalis' the fruits are larger, to 45 mm across, often one per stem and rarely up to 3 per stem. In the oriental plane they are slightly smaller and borne in groups, typically of 4 fruits, and sometimes up to 6 fruits on a stem.)
In winter because of its sinuous branches, clear trunk, and lacy crown outline, it is a more elegant and better-looking tree than some of the other common forms in London, especially the common P. 'Pyramidalis'.
Good specimens; Ravensbury Park, Morden, by the river Wandle, two huge specimens; Hyde Park, many trees by the South Carriage Road and by Park Lane; Kenwood House, Hampstead, between the cafeteria and the lake. See also the specimens page.
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5-Jan-2007