Order XXXVII. PLATANÀCEÆ.
(Plane-tree Family.)
A very small order, containing but one genus:
Genus 80. PLÁTANUS.
Trees with alternate, simple, large, palmately lobed leaves. The base of the petiole is hollowed to cover the bud. Flowers inconspicuous; in early spring. Fruit a large, dry ball, hanging on a long peduncle, and remaining on the tree through the winter. Large tree with white bark separating into thin, brittle plates.
P. occidentàlis.
1. Plátanus occidentàlis, L. (American Sycamore. Buttonwood.) Leaves large (6 to 10 in. broad), roundish heart-shaped, angularly sinuate-lobed, the short lobes sharp-pointed, scurfy-downy till old. Fruit globular, solitary, 1 in. in diameter, hanging on long, 4-in. peduncles; remaining on the tree through the winter. A large, well-known tree, 80 to 100 ft. high; found on river-banks throughout; also cultivated. Wood brownish, coarse-grained; it cannot be split, and is very difficult to smooth. The marking of the grain on the quartered lumber is very beautiful.
P. orientàlis.