Adress
Brussels
GPS coordinates :
50.8460
, 4.3641
Identity
Latin name :
Platanus x hispanica
French name :
Platane à feuille d’érable
Dutch name :
Gewone plataan
English name :
London plane
Family :
Platanaceae
Height :
-
Targeted height :
This species can grow up to 40 m
Diameter of the crown :
-
Trunk circumference :
-
Expected circumference :
800 cm
Expected longevity :
Can live for 300–500 years
Origin / Indigenous
Crossed in Spain or southern France around 1650
Favorite soil :
light, fresh, fertile
Favorite climate
Temperate warm, but also temperate fresh
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=652079
Features and characters of the individual
A Park, Atree (1/3°
This tree has been chosen by CIVA in the frame of its exhibition "Designed Landscape":
- "At the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century, at the time of the Haussmann breakthroughs that cleared and lit the city, the tree was considered the necessary element for "good urban hygiene" (Sirven, 2016). It is exploited to purify the air, to let light pass through, to soothe the atmosphere and spirits. Horticulture, at the same time, acclimatized many tree species, including the plane tree, which lives very well in urban areas (Sirven, 2016).
When used in classical garden design, the tree provides perspective, optical effects and perfect symmetry. It is then domesticated (shaped) and sublimated, with the aim of offering a harmonious plant show in all seasons (Desfemmes, 2013). This is particularly the case in the Royal Park.
Thus, around the park fountain, the plane trees are arranged in a regular arc of a circle and interact with the other landscape elements. They reinforce the curve of the fountain, highlight the exposed statues, are reflected in the water for the pleasure of the visitor's eyes...
The simple and symmetrical geometric structure of the park is therefore based in particular on the regular alignment of free or tree-lined trees, but also on the long green mats in the centre of the lanes (CIVA, 2018).
The new concept of public park in the 18th century, as witnessed by the Royal Park, refers directly to the ideals of Enlightenment philosophy: "combining the notions of public utility, gentleness of government, hygiene, nature and sociability" (CIVA, 2018). "
Ideals that seem inspired by trees: they are useful, gentle (for the eyes and the soul), hygienic (they are incredible air, water and sometimes soil purifiers) and sociable. Francis Hallé often recalls these qualities, and others:"... they are alive, beautiful,..., discreet, robust, silent, autonomous, reassuring, easy to satisfy and of a complete non-violence". The CIVA invites you to discover the Brussels Park, its history, and some of the trees that inhabit it as part of "Designed Landscapes".
Activity
The CIVA has noticed this tree and the group to which it belongs. They can be found in the exhibition "Designed Landscapes Brussels" (https://civa.brussels/fr/expos-events/designed-landscapes-brussels-1775-2020)
