Tree-Walk through Leopold's Park
Identity
Category :
Arbre remarquable
Latin name :
Acer pseudoplatanus
French name :
Erable sycomore
Dutch name :
Gewone esdoorn
English name :
Sycamore maple, Great maple, Plane tree
Family :
Aceraceae
Height :
24 m
Targeted height :
This species can grow up to 30–35 m
Diameter of the crown :
15 m
Trunk circumference :
258 cm
Expected circumference :
500 cm
Expected longevity :
Can live for 600 years
Origin / Indigenous
Throughout Europe through to East Asia
Favorite soil :
All
Favorite climate
Temperate
Usefulness and services of the tree :
Enhances the landscape :
++
Enhances the biodiversity :
+
Provide oxygen :
+
Purify the air :
+
Filter the water :
+
Prevents flooding :
++
Stores carbon :
+
Softens the climate :
++
Limits soil erosion :
Does good, heals :
+
Belgian Federal State Collection on permanent loan to the [Meise Botanical Garden](<https://www.plantentuinmeise.be/en/home/>). Hempel, Die Bäume und Sträucher dese Waldes, pl. 44, 1889
Features and characters of the individual
This is a young tree that guards the main entrance of Parc Leopold. Its crown extends more on one side, and it looks like it prefers the light coming from Rue Belliard – welcoming visitors as they enter the park, rather than facing competition from other trees in its plot. It should be mentioned it has been overwhelmed by the neighbouring plane trees that have thrived. Together, these trees form a shield protecting the interior of the park from the concrete city on the other side.
