Plane_1

Plane (Platanus), the sole genus in the somewhat isolated order of Incomplete (q.v.), the Platanaceas, comprising five or six closely-allied species, trees native to the extra-tropical regions of the northern hemisphere. They throw off their outer bark in squarish scales; and their large leaves, which are scattered, stipulate, stalked, and palmately-lobed, have a polished upper surface. These two characters render them specially suitable for growth in the soot-laden atmosphere of our large towns. The axillary buds are concealed within the dilated base of the leaf-stalk. The flowers are monoecious and hang in separate globular catkins, whence the trees derive their American name of Button-woods. The female flower may have from four to eight distinct carpels, each containing one or two pendulous ovules, but forming a one-seeded achene. The timber is smooth-grained, prettily marked, white or dull red, and susceptible of a high polish. It is used in carpentry and cabinet-making; but the trees are chiefly valued for their shade. In Scotland the Great Maple or Sycamore (q.v.), the white wood of which is largely used for small articles of turnery, is called Plane. It is distinguished by its smooth bark, opposite leaves, loose racemes of flowers, two-winged fruits, and unfigured wood. The Oriental Plane (P. orientalis), the Maltese or Maple-leafed Plane (P. acerifolia), and the Occidental Plane (P. occidentalis) seem little more than geographical races.