Tree of Merit
Platanus orientalis 'Minaret'
Story and photos by Ian McDermott, Arboricultural Trainer, Birmingham Tree People
urban-forestry.com 39
I'm interested in selecting trees that are
not only a visual amenity but provide notable
ecosystem benefits, particularly for air quality.
The oriental plane tree (Platanus orientalis) is
well documented for its ability to withstand
urban pressures but also to capture and retain
particulate matter on its coarse, large leaves
that are covered in trichomes (hairs and hair-
like appendages), particularly on the leaf
undersides. It is originally from Asia Minor and
India, where it is native to riparian habitats.
Platanus orientalis 'Minaret' is a cultivar of
the oriental plane tree whose large leaves are
highly dissected and bright green, with five
lobes. In autumn, the leaves turn red, amber,
or yellow before falling. Maturing at roughly
20 m tall and wide (66 feet × 66 feet) in ideal
conditions, the straight species of oriental
plane has long been planted for shade ben-
efits owing to its widely spreading branches;
however, 'Minaret' can be expected to be
somewhat narrower in ultimate spread.
I began using this cultivar over a decade ago
when it became available in the U.K. and after
we started encountering anthracnose problems
with our London plane trees (Platanus x aceri-
folia). (London planes had been widely planted in
parks, on estates, in housing complexes, and >>
Ian "Mac" McDermott is, after
retiring from 40 years in the
municipal sector, currently
working as an Educator and
Trainer in Arboriculture with the
Birmingham Tree People. You can
reach Mac via his LinkedIn page.
The deeply dissected, bright green
foliage of 'Minaret' plane tree.
Habit of young 'Minaret' tree, with vigorous growth
representing just two to three years since planting.
