Platanaceae

Planetree Family

Sycamore Trees

FAMILY: Planetree family (Platanaceae) – Platanus genus.

SPECIES: California sycamore (Platanus racemosa Nutt.).

TO UTILIZE AS FOOD: The inner bark of California sycamore trees is reported to be edible, and sap derived from a related species of the eastern United States called American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L.) can be boiled down into syrup (Facciola p. 173). The dominant southwestern species called Arizona sycamore (Platanus wrightii S. Watson) can presumably be used like other sycamore trees, but it’s not reported to be edible.

NOTES: Due to the scarcity of sycamore trees in the Southwest and the challenges they face with invasive species in riparian ecosystems, no parts were sampled during the fieldwork conducted for this reference.

IDENTIFICATION: The ancient planetree family dates back to the Cretaceous period. It has only 1 genus with 9 species worldwide. The Platanus genus is represented by 4 species in the United States. Sycamores are easily recognized by their smooth, pastel-colored bark flaking off in rounded plates, palmately-lobed leaves, and ball-shaped seed heads. No other trees have a similar combination of features.

Description of California sycamore (Platanus racemosa): FORM riparian tree; BARK of young trees smooth, white, tan, gray, pink, orange, and other earth-tone colors flaking off in rounded plates; bark of old trees brown and furrowed (at least on lower trunks); LEAVES simple; alternate; blades palmately lobed, with 3-7 triangular lobes; lower surfaces hairy (tomentose); FLOWERS unisexual, ovary superior, and arranged in globe-shaped clusters; perianth parts 3-6, minute; pistils 3-6; stamens 3-6; FRUITS achenes bristly and arranged in globe-shaped clusters; HABITAT watercourses; California; blooming April to May.

REFERENCES: California sycamore (Platanus racemosa): inner bark Moerman (p. 187).