Plane Tree (Platanus orientalis L.)

The plane tree (Platanus orientalis L.) is a long-lived, broad-leaved, and monumental tree species native to Türkiye. This species is commonly found along rivers and in urban landscapes, where it holds significant ecological and cultural value. In Türkiye, Platanus orientalis L. is generally known as “çınar”; however, in regional dialects it is also referred to by various names such as biladan, çaymığ, çilbirtir, gavulağan, kavlağan, and kavlak among others. The scientific name Platanus is derived from the Ancient Greek word platos, meaning “flat” or “broad,” while “orientalis” denotes “eastern” or “from the East,” reflecting the species’ Asian origin. The “L.” at the end of the species name refers to Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778), the Swedish naturalist who first described this species. The plane tree belongs to the family Platanaceae (Plane trees) and is represented within this family by the genus Platanus.

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Platanus orientalis is a long-lived and monumental tree species naturally distributed across much of Türkiye. It is frequently encountered in river valleys, along riverbanks, and in wetland areas. In addition, it is widely used in urban landscapes as an ornamental and shade tree along roadsides, in parks, and in gardens. It can reach heights of 20 to 30 meters, with a trunk diameter of 5 to 6 meters, and can live for over 500 years. When growing freely, it develops a short trunk, thick branches, and a broad canopy. The bark is light gray or greenish-gray and peels off in plates as the tree ages. Its leaves are large and lobed, resembling a human hand, while its fruits occur in spherical clusters.

In Türkiye, only Platanus orientalis occurs naturally. Its native range extends from Southeast Europe through Türkiye to Western Asia and the Himalayas. It grows naturally in river valleys and moist gorges, and has also been widely introduced into urban environments. Additionally, exotic species such as Platanus occidentalis (American plane tree) and Platanus x acerifolia (London plane tree) are commonly planted in parks and along roadsides as ornamental trees.

The plane tree holds an important place in Ottoman garden culture and was frequently chosen as a primary plant species in the landscaping of complexes containing structures such as mosques and madrasas. As seen in the II. Bayezid Külliyesi in Amasya, monumental plane trees contribute to the cultural identity of the landscape while also providing shade and recreational space. These trees, surviving from the 16th century to the present, are vital living elements that ensure the continuity of cultural landscapes.

Plane tree timber is used for flooring, furniture production, packaging materials, dry storage barrels, and kitchen utensils. Its durable structure makes it suitable for industrial applications.

The pollen of Platanus orientalis is among the airborne allergens that can reach high concentrations in the atmosphere. Studies conducted across Türkiye have detected this pollen between February and August, with peak levels occurring in April and May. The pollen grains measure 16–22 micrometers in size, exhibit a tricolporate structure, and have a reticulated surface. In particular, during spring months, these pollens can trigger allergic symptoms in sensitive individuals. Measurements taken in Bursa in 2013 revealed that plane tree pollen was present in the atmosphere for 62 days, with concentrations reaching up to 200 grains per cubic meter on some days. During periods of high pollen concentration, allergic symptoms such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma-like reactions have been observed.

The primary allergenic proteins in plane tree pollen, Pla a 1 and Pla a 2, have been found to interact with environmental pollutants. Specifically, pollutants such as exhaust fumes have been shown to increase the release of these proteins and intensify their allergenic effects.