What is Platanus?
{{italictitle}} {{Automatic taxobox | image = Plataan_bladeren.jpg | fossil_range = {{fossilrange|Late Cretaceous|Present}} | image_caption = Leaves and fruit of a London plane | taxon = Platanus | authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]] | subdivision_ranks = Species | subdivision = }} '''''Platanus''''' is a [[genus]] of [[plant]]s, which mostly occur on the [[Northern Hemisphere]]. All of them are [[tree]]s, which reach heights between {{convert|30|m}} and {{convert|50|m}}. There are eight to ten recent species of ''Platanus'', and at least three extinct ones. In [[English language|English]], these trees are called '''planes''' or '''plane trees'''. Some North American species are called '''sycamores''', but this name is also used for a species of [[fig]]. == London plane == The London plane, ''Platanus'' × ''acerifolia'', is a [[hybrid]] or a [[cultivar]]. Exactly what the parents were in uncertain. It was extensively planted on [[London]] streets before [[WWII]], but is no longer in favour. The London plane is very tolerant of [[air pollution]] and [[root]] compaction (small space for roots). For these reasons it was a popular urban roadside tree. Now, however, it is indirectly something of a [[pest]]. [[Aphids]] in their millions suck [[sap]] from its leaves, and drop sugary liquid onto cars parked underneath. Older London streets have virtually no off-road parking. ==Images== <gallery> Image:Platane, Trsteno.JPG|Trunk of an aged ''Platanus'', in Trsteno, near [[Dubrovnik]], Croatia File:Krasi_Platane.jpg|Crete's biggest ''Platanus'' (''P. orientalis'') is about 2.500 years old File:Platanus_occidentalis0.jpg| ''P. occidentalis'', in a park </gallery> [[File:Chinor_bargi_tasviri.jpg|thumb|210x210px|Leaves of ''platanus.'']] {{Authority control}} [[Category:Trees]] [[Category:Proteales]]