THE LONDON PLANE
A very large tree grows outside my building, one that I have watched grow and occupy the space above me for years. As they have built around it, it’s branches spill out and fill the void between brick and mortar. Its presence as I leave and return to my home is unmissable. The tree stands taller than the buildings it finds itself surrounded by and boasts a remarkable covering of patchwork bark.
A very large tree grows outside my building, one that I have watched grow and occupy the space above me for years. As they have built around it, it’s branches spill out and fill the void between brick and mortar. Its presence as I leave and return to my home is unmissable. The tree stands taller than the buildings it finds itself surrounded by and boasts a remarkable covering of patchwork bark.
After witnessing the felling of some trees local to me that had stood for over 100 years, I felt as though something of great value had been lost. My admiration for this tree outside my window, and the thought of its demise at the hands of man, lead me to identify its species and discover more about it.
After witnessing the felling of some trees local to me that had stood for over 100 years, I felt as though something of great value had been lost. My admiration for this tree outside my window, and the thought of its demise at the hands of man, lead me to identify its species and discover more about it.
It is a London Plane (Platanus x hispanica); believed to be a hybrid of two trees. It is an iconic tree in London and has become synonymous with certain areas of the city; some examples dating back to the late 1600s. Its introduction to streets of London was a reaction to the blackened skies of the industrial revolution and the need for urban planning alongside an increasing population. It has since thrived in London and appears in many cities throughout the United Kingdom.
It is a London Plane (Platanus x hispanica); believed to be a hybrid of two trees. It is an iconic tree in London and has become synonymous with certain areas of the city; some examples dating back to the late 1600s. Its introduction to streets of London was a reaction to the blackened skies of the industrial revolution and the need for urban planning alongside an increasing population. It has since thrived in London and appears in many cities throughout the United Kingdom.
It’s ability to successfully exist for many hundreds of years in our cities only peaked my interest further. The London Plane is capable of withstanding very high levels of atmospheric pollution and contributes to removing pollution particles considered harmful to humans. Coupled with its tolerance to root compacting and the canopy cover it provides, The London Plane continues to be a popular choice for greening our urban landscape.
It’s ability to successfully exist for many hundreds of years in our cities only peaked my interest further. The London Plane is capable of withstanding very high levels of atmospheric pollution and contributes to removing pollution particles considered harmful to humans. Coupled with its tolerance to root compacting and the canopy cover it provides, The London Plane continues to be a popular choice for greening our urban landscape.
It occurred to me that this tree has thrived by tolerating us. The London Plane can survive our trauma. It is therefore my understanding that the trees that inhabit our urban environment have been consciously chosen by humans to withstand the damage we inflict. These images draw attention to their presence in my own city and highlight the service they perform for us as we stand on the precipice of no return with soaring global temperatures.
It occurred to me that this tree has thrived by tolerating us. The London Plane can survive our trauma. It is therefore my understanding that the trees that inhabit our urban environment have been consciously chosen by humans to withstand the damage we inflict. These images draw attention to their presence in my own city and highlight the service they perform for us as we stand on the precipice of no return with soaring global temperatures.