Oriental plane Platanus orientalis 'Mirkovec'
ABOUT
The Platanus orientalis 'Mirkovec', commonly known as the Oriental Plane tree, is characterized by its distinctive bark and foliage. The bark is particularly notable for peeling away in patches to reveal a mosaic of shades underneath, typically cream, olive, and grey hues, giving it a unique visual texture that can be quite striking. This exfoliating bark feature becomes more pronounced as the tree matures, adding to its ornamental value. The leaves of the Oriental Plane are large, broad, and deeply lobed, reminiscent of a maple or sycamore leaf. In spring and summer, these leaves present a lush green color, providing dense and ample shade. As autumn approaches, the foliage transitions to vibrant autumnal shades, often a mix of yellow, golden, and brown, before the leaves drop. The tree produces spherical fruit clusters that dangle from long stems, providing visual interest throughout the winter months. These fruiting bodies, about the size of a walnut, persist after the leaves have fallen, adding texture to the tree's bare silhouette against the winter sky. Overall, the Oriental Plane tree 'Mirkovec' is celebrated for its hardiness and adaptability, as well as its ability to make a statement in any landscape with its distinctive bark, sizeable attractive foliage, and year-round visual appeal through various seasonal changes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Platanaceae
Synonyms
Oriental Plane, Eastern Plane, Old World Sycamore
Common names
Platanus orientalis 'Mirkovec'.
ToxicityTo humans
Oriental plane is not generally considered toxic to humans. If the plant is poisonous and someone ingested it, symptoms would depend on the specific toxic compounds present in the plant, but there is no widespread documentation of Oriental plane being poisonous or causing symptoms upon ingestion.
To pets
Oriental plane is not generally recognized as toxic to pets. Similar to humans, if the plant were to be poisonous, the symptoms in pets would also be contingent on the specific toxic compounds it contained. However, there is no common documentation of Oriental plane causing toxic effects in pets upon ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
70 feet (21 meters)
Spread
50 feet (15 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Shade Provision: The broad canopy of Platanus orientalis 'Mirkovec', commonly known as Oriental plane tree, offers ample shade which can cool landscapes and reduce the need for air conditioning in nearby buildings.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The distinctive bark, which exfoliates to reveal a mosaic of colors, along with its majestic form, provides visual interest and increases property values.
- Urban Tolerant: It is known for its adaptability to urban conditions, tolerating pollution and compacted soil which makes it suitable for city planting.
- Longevity: Oriental plane trees are long-lived, which allows them to provide lasting benefits to the environment and urban landscapes.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root system helps to stabilize soil and control erosion, especially near water bodies where soil loss can be a problem.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The tree can serve as a habitat and food source for various bird species, offering ecological support for urban biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: With changing foliage colors in autumn and an interesting branch structure in winter, it provides year-round interest in landscapes.
- Heat Reduction: The canopy contributes to reducing heat islands in urban areas by shading hard surfaces and releasing moisture into the air through transpiration.
- Privacy Screen: When planted in rows, the Oriental plane can act as a natural privacy screen, buffering noise and providing seclusion.
- Windbreak: The size and shape of the tree make it an effective windbreak, protecting areas from strong winds and storm damage.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The wood of the Oriental plane is used in woodworking and to create musical instruments due to its hard and durable nature.
- The bark of the Oriental plane tree can be used in tanning industries for processing leather.
- Large leaves of the Oriental plane can be used for decorative purposes in arts and crafts, especially for creating imprints or patterns.
- Branches and twigs can be utilized in rustic furniture making or as decorative elements in garden design.
- Because of its dense canopy, the Oriental plane is often used as a shading tree in parks and streets.
- The tree can be used in urban landscaping due to its resilience to pollution and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions.
- Oriental plane trees are sometimes planted to stabilize riverbanks and prevent erosion because of their extensive root systems.
- In some cultures, the Oriental plane tree's sizable and broad trunks are hollowed out to serve as a unique storage space for grains or as a cool resting place during hot weather.
- The fallen leaves can be collected and added to compost piles as they are rich in carbon and beneficial to soil health.
- The stately appearance of Oriental plane trees makes them popular for ceremonial avenues or as a focal point in landscape architecture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe oriental plane tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe oriental plane tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Timelessness: The Oriental plane, or Platanus orientalis 'Mirkovec', can live for centuries, making it a symbol of endurance and the passage of time.
- Unity: The tree's large canopy that provides shade and shelter to diverse creatures symbolizes bringing people together and the concept of unity.
- Strength and Resilience: Known for its sturdy trunk and branches, the Oriental plane represents strength and the ability to withstand adversity.
- Adaptability: Given the Oriental plane's capacity to thrive in various conditions, it symbolizes adaptability and the ability to prosper in different environments.
WaterOriental plane trees require deep watering to ensure a strong root system. Water young trees regularly, about once a week, providing approximately 15 to 20 gallons of water each time, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Mature trees are more drought-tolerant and may require less frequent watering, but during prolonged dry spells, a similar deep watering every two to three weeks is beneficial. It's important to water slowly, allowing moisture to reach deep into the soil. Avoid frequent shallow watering which can lead to a weak root system and stress the tree.
LightOriental plane trees thrive in full sun conditions, where they can receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. These trees are adaptable to different light conditions but grow best in a location that offers ample sunlight. Avoid heavily shaded areas which can impede the tree's growth and overall health. This tree variety is suitable for large open spaces where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day.
TemperatureOriental plane trees are adaptable to a wide range of temperatures. They can withstand winter temperatures as low as -5 to -10 degrees Fahrenheit and are heat tolerant in summer. However, they grow optimally in temperatures ranging between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. As long-lived deciduous trees, orientation planes can survive in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 10, where seasonal temperature fluctuations are within their tolerance levels.
PruningPruning of Oriental plane trees is done to remove dead or damaged branches, to maintain tree structure, and to promote healthy growth. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new leaves appear. Prune smaller branches and selectively thin out the tree canopy to allow for better light penetration and air circulation. Major pruning should be done sparingly, and any significant cuts should be made to branches less than 2 inches in diameter to minimize stress on the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilOriental Plane trees, including 'Mirkovec', thrive in a well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The best soil mix should contain equal parts garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand to enhance drainage. A soil pH between 5.5 to 7.5 is suitable for optimal growth and health of the tree.
RepottingOriental Plane trees such as the 'Mirkovec' variety are large and typically planted outdoors where they don't require frequent repotting. If grown in a container, young trees should be repotted every 2-3 years, but mature trees can remain in the same pot for longer, provided that the soil is replenished and the roots are not circling or crowded.
Humidity & MistingOriental Plane trees like 'Mirkovec' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions. They can thrive in both humid and dry climates, making them versatile for different outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow 'Mirkovec' in large containers with ample light; not ideal for indoors.
Outdoor
Plant 'Mirkovec' in sunny spot, well-draining soil, and space to grow.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Oriental Plane (Platanus orientalis 'Mirkovec') begins its life as a seed, which germinates in favorable conditions of moisture and temperature, producing a small seedling. The seedling then grows into a juvenile tree, where it establishes its roots and begins to grow in height and girth. As it matures, the tree develops a distinctive thick trunk and widespread canopy, becoming a reproductive adult that flowers in the spring, with flowers giving way to achenes, which are its fruiting bodies. Following pollination, the achenes disperse, typically by wind due to their hairy structures aiding in wind dispersal, which allows for the propagation of the species. The tree reaches full maturity over many years, potentially living for hundreds of years if conditions are optimal. Eventually, when the Oriental Plane reaches the end of its life cycle, it will die, decompose, and return nutrients back to the soil, supporting the growth of new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Platanus orientalis 'Mirkovec', commonly known as the Oriental plane tree, is usually propagated through hardwood cuttings, a popular method for this species. The best time to take cuttings is during the dormant season, typically in late fall to winter. Hardwood cuttings should be about 6-8 inches (15-20 centimeters) in length and contain several nodes. These cuttings are taken from mature, healthy branches and should be planted in well-draining soil with the bottom two-thirds of the cutting buried. To encourage root growth, the cuttings can be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting. Under proper conditions, which include maintaining adequate moisture and protection from extreme temperatures, roots should develop within a few months.
