Platanaceae

The Platanaceae family consists of 10 species of large trees belonging to the genus Platanus, commonly known as plane trees. These trees are native to North America, eastern Europe, and Asia. They are characterized by their scaling bark, large, deciduous, palmately lobed leaves, and spherical heads of flowers and seeds.1

Plane trees bear both male and female flowers on the same tree, but in separate clusters. Notable species include the American plane tree (P. occidentalis), the Oriental plane tree (P. orientalis), and the London plane (P. acerifolia), a hybrid of the other two. The London plane is widely planted in cities due to its resistance to air pollution and diseases. These trees grow rapidly and provide quick shade.1