Platanus X Hispanica (London Plane)

First recorded in the early 1660s, the London Plane was extensively planted as a street tree in the capital due to its tolerance of air pollution and of pruning.

It is believed that it was significantly responsible for clearing up the smog laden air resulting from the industrial revolution.

A large, fast growing tree with a broadly oval crown.

One of its main features is the trunk, which flakes to reveal a patchwork of green, white and cream.

The leaves are large, deeply lobed and palmate.

The rounded fruit clusters, produced in strings, resemble little baubles, which hang from the branches for much of the year.

Still a good choice for urban plantings, it is also great for parkland.

Reputedly the oldest Plane tree in England is in the Bishops Palace Garden at Ely. Planted by Bishop Gunning more than 300 years ago it is one of the most impressive trees in Britain, and just a stones throw from Barcham.

Mature height: 20m+