Τhis December, once again, the SNFCC Christmas world comes alive and the lit up plane trees across the Canal, mark the beginning of the festive season. What about a stroll around the Canal, to admire and take pictures of the plane trees, which are beautifully reflected in the water and overflow with joy our young and older visitors.
Across the Canal, we see two different species of plane tree, the Eastern plane tree (Platanus orientalis), commonly known for its rich shade, and the London plane tree (Platanus acerifolia), a hybrid species, which adapts easily to urban environments, a reason why we often come across it in parks and alleys. The plane tree is a rapidly growing long-lived deciduous tree, with a thin exfoliating bark and height ranging from 30 to 50 meters. It belongs to the Platanoids family. It is found on riverbanks, in wetlands and generally in places with water springs, although it can survive dry soils.
Its leaves are large with a palmate shape and dark green color, which in winter take on yellowish colors. Its flowers, male and female are found on the same tree, which enables pollination through the wind. Flowering lasts from March to May, while after foliage, the fruits remain on the tree for the entire winter.
It is also useful in medicine. Ιts bark powder helps in the relief and treatment of burns, while it also serves as a hemostatic for wounds. Its wood is used in the timber, footwear and paper industry. Being so majestic, it has also ornamental purpose, more specifically for the creation of tree lines and the landscaping of squares in towns and villages.
"Platanos", as the ancients called it, is a tree strongly associated with Greek mythology, ancient and modern Greek history. It is no coincidence, that in the villages, all events and festivities take place under the plane tree of the village’s central square. It symbolizes the joy of life and resilience.
In Mythology, "Platanos" was the sister of two giants who could no longer put up with the Olympian Gods. In their attempt to reach the sky, they threw mount Ossa on Mount Olympus, and on them mount Pelion. However, Apollo find out their plan and killed them with his arrows. Thus, “Platanos”, out of grief for her brothers’ loss, was transformed into a plane tree, after which comes the tree’s Greek name.
The Hippocrates plane tree in Kos is also famous. The custom wants children to embrace the plane tree on September 1st, to get its strength, and then make "Arkichronia", a small bouquet of pomegranate, grape, garlic, and maple leaves.
