Platanus orientalis is a species of deciduous broadleaf flowering plants (in the Platanaceae family), native to south-eastern Europe, Turkey, the Caucasus and Iran. It can live for many centuries and grow into a huge tree, 40 metres in height, spreading very widely, with massive twisted branches and a thick trunk. Its bark is a distinctive patchwork that peels in irregular plates, revealing cream and grey-green colours underneath.
Platanus orientalis has large palm-shaped leaves with 5–7 lobes, similar to maple leaves; the lobes are more deeply divided than those of Platanus × hispanica (the London plane, also present in Whiteknights Park). Thanks to the size of both tree and leaves, plane trees cast a lot of shade, and are a feature of old towns and parks, although their natural habitat is riversides. The leaves of Platanus orientalis turn yellow and amber in autumn. Its fruit are spiky balls, borne in small groups.
The tree has a notable capability for sprouting anew and regenerating itself when damaged or coppiced. The species features in Greek and Roman history, being remarked upon by Pliny the Elder. According to legend, Hippocrates (considered the father of medicine) taught his pupils the art of medicine under a plane tree.
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