STREET AND HIGHWAY PLANTING. 



55 



THE SYCAMORES OR PLANE TREES, (Figs. 24, 25, 26.) 



Of the three species of plane trees the oriental plane is considerably 

 the best form. This has proven the most desirable deciduous species 

 in many parts of the city of Los Angeles. 



The foliage is large, of a good green, and drops fairly late in the 

 season. The fruits are often persistent through the winter and break 

 up before falling, so that the litter is not especially noticeable. The 

 bark of the upper branches scales off, leaving a shining white trunk 

 which is characteristic of the genus. 



Figure 24. 



The botanical differences between the oriental plane (Plat anus orien- 

 talis) and the native varieties Plat anus Occident alls of the east and P. 

 racemosa of California) are not striking from the popular point of view, 

 but it has been found that the native forms are freely attacked by a 

 fungous disease which disfigures the trees all summer and often prevents 

 foliation, producing death to many limbs. 



Aside from this, the oriental form assumes a more symmetrical habit 

 of growth. The trees at maturity are broad spreading trees of semi- 

 pyramidal shape, while the native form is often very irregular. Both 

 species need considerable water, as they inhabit bottom lands and creek 

 borders in their native haunts. In spite of this they do very well in the 

 city with ordinary care, and in some cities, notably Paris, have become 

 one of the dominant trees of the city. 



