08/13/2026
Diversity allows for the best possible outcomes! In this case, diversity of genetics yields a tree that is tremendously robust. So much so, it is the most popular street tree in the world! The London Plane tree has fast growth, pollution tolerance, and high adaptability to soils! This is hybrid vigor at work!
Appearing in a cultivated setting in Southern Europe or England in the 1600s, the London Plane (Platanus x hispanica) is a hybrid between the Oriental Sycamore (Platanus orientalis) and Occidental Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). While these two Platanus species can hybridize, hybridization with other species does not seem to create viable seeds. Of conservation concern, now London Plane is hybridizing with California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa) in areas where they are close. Researchers have found increased genetic diversity in California Sycamore populations, but now also less species distinctiveness as they mix genetics.
