Family: Platanaceae
Common names: Oriental plane, Chinar, Eastern plane, Old World plane, Chenar
The region of Rike park in Tbilisi, Georgia is very vibrant with tourists taking a cable car to Narikala fortress to see the statue of the Mother of Georgia, and the many people marketing boat rides on the Kura river right next to the park. It’s near this river that I found this beautiful tree called the Oriental plane.
In fact, the tree was everywhere. But I only got an opportunity to take pictures here, as we were waiting for a taxi to go back to our Airbnb place. Unfortunately, it was not the season of flowers or fruits. So I only have pictures of the thick stem and beautifully lobed leaves.
The Oriental plan treee is originally from Southeastern Europe and western Asia, where it grows naturally along rivers and in open valleys. It is well adapted to regions with hot summers, cool winters, and moderate rainfall, and it is commonly seen in temperate and Mediterranean-style climates.
Tree Characteristics
The Oriental plane is a large, long-lived deciduous tree that can reach 20–30 meters in height, with a broad, spreading crown that may extend 15–25 meters across.
It develops a strong, wide root system that anchors the tree well but can spread close to the soil surface, especially in moist ground. The trunk is thick and sturdy, often reaching over 1 meter in diameter in mature trees.
One of its most recognizable features is the bark, which flakes off in irregular patches to reveal cream, green, and pale brown areas underneath.
This peeling bark gives the trunk and main branches a patchy, mottled appearance throughout the year. Older trees often develop massive, sculptural trunks with low, heavy branches.
The leaves are large and maple-like, usually 12–25 centimeters wide, with deep lobes and a slightly rough texture. They emerge bright green in spring, deepen in color through summer, and turn yellow to brown before falling in autumn.
Small, greenish flowers appear in spring and are followed by round, spiky seed balls about 2–3 centimeters in diameter that hang on long stalks and often remain on the tree into winter.
These fruits resemble those of Neolamarckia cadamba or Cadamba, though these trees are not related in any way. They both just happen to have fruits that are fuzzy little yellowish-brown balls.
In India, the Chinar tree is very commonly seen in Jammu and Kashmir, where it is revered as the state tree. There is a Chinar heritage park in J & K and also an army division called Chinar corps, that has the leaf as an emblem in their logo.
Gardening Tips
The Oriental plane grows best in full sun, where it can develop a strong trunk and an even canopy. It prefers deep, fertile soil that retains moisture but drains well, although it is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay and sandy soils. This tree benefits from having plenty of space, as its roots and branches need room to spread without restriction.
Regular watering is important during the early years, especially in dry periods, to help establish a deep root system. Once mature, the tree is fairly drought tolerant but grows best with occasional deep watering during long dry spells. Mulching around the base helps conserve moisture and protect surface roots.
Pruning is generally minimal and should focus on removing dead or crossing branches during the dormant season.
Heavy pruning is not recommended, as it can lead to excessive water shoots. The tree is generally hardy, but good air circulation helps reduce problems such as leaf spot or powdery mildew in humid conditions.
Uses of Oriental plane
The Oriental plane is widely used as a shade tree in large gardens, parks, and along wide streets due to its dense canopy and tolerance of urban conditions. Its broad crown provides excellent cooling shade in summer, making it a popular choice in warm regions.
Traditionally, parts of the tree have been used in folk medicine, particularly the leaves and bark, which were prepared for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. These uses are mainly historical and cultural rather than common in modern home remedies.
Ecologically, the tree supports wildlife by providing shelter and nesting sites for birds, while the seed balls can be a minor food source for some species.
Its strong wood called Lacewood has occasionally been used for furniture, interior paneling, and carved items, valued for its attractive grain when properly seasoned. This wood is very strong and can be used as chopping blocks.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and cuttings.
Seeds usually sown after a period of cold treatment to improve germination, while hardwood cuttings taken during dormancy can also root successfully when kept in moist, well-drained conditions.
Photographed at: Near Kura river, Tbilisi
