london planetree
london planetree Lexical Profile
• noun
A large, deciduous hybrid tree (Platanus × acerifolia), widely cultivated globally as a shade and street tree in urban areas due to its high tolerance to air pollution, drought, and compacted soil, and characterized by its distinctively flaking, mottled bark.
"Rows of large London planetrees were planted along the avenue to provide a leafy canopy that could withstand the heavy city smog."
Word Nuance & Usage
Often confused with the native American sycamore, the London planetree is a hybrid cultivated specifically for its resilience in harsh urban environments and generally exhibits deeper lobed leaves.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Believed to have originated in the mid-17th century as a natural hybrid between the Oriental plane and the American sycamore. It gained its common name after being widely and successfully planted throughout London, as it was one of the few trees that thrived despite the heavy coal smoke and soot of the Industrial Revolution.