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 :
32 m
Targeted height :
This species can grow up to 30–35 m
Diameter of the crown :
20 m
Trunk circumference :
380 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
At the corner of two paths, just next to the cafe/restaurant, this sycamore maple grows in the shadow of The Hotel Brussels and a large horse chestnut tree. It’s difficult to observe its highest leaves, as the tree has soared up to the sky to get as much light as possible. On the other hand though, other factors are interesting to observe, like its distinctive bark, its trunk dimensions, and its big branches. Sitting on the terrace, your mind can easily imagine the extent of its roots that spread through the soil beneath your feet. From here, you see why sycamore maples are said to put up with compacted soil!
