Platanus mexicana (Mexican Sycamore)
Botanical Information
| Family | Platanaceae |
| Genus | Platanus |
| Species | mexicana |
| Type | Tree (deciduous), Shrub (deciduous) |
| References | SelecTree. "Platanus mexicana Tree Record." 1995-2019. Jun 10, 2019. Retrieved from https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/platanus-mexicana |
| Origin | Native to northeastern and central Mexico. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | The wood is used for general carpentry, dishes, and spoons. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8b |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cold season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H4 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Height | 15 m |
| Spread | 9 m |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | January, February, December |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Flood tolerant; a good street or park tree. |
| ID Characteristic | Mexican sycamore is slightly smaller than native American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). |
| Shape | Oval, rounded or umbrella shaped. |
| Landscape | The tree is often planted to provide shade. |
| Propagation | By seed, stem cuttings of mature wood of the current years growth, and layering of stools in spring or autumn. |
| Cultivation | Grows best in full sun and is adapted to most soils, including alkaline soils. |
| Pests | Shot hole borer, beetle borers, scale and spider mites, Anthracnose and powdery mildew. |
| Notable Specimens | Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America. |
| Habitat | Along watercourses. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Smooth bark, white and tan in colour. |
| Leaf Description | Palmate, medium green, deciduous leaves. |
| Flower Description | Separate male and female flowers on the same tree (monoecious). |
| Fruit Description | Prolific, brown or mostly green achene, medium 1 - 2 cm, fruiting in autumn or winter. |
| Texture Description | Plants are very tolerant of compacted soils and air pollution. |
Photographs
Platanus mexicana, form, Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
Platanus mexicana, form, Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
Platanus mexicana, bark, Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.