Trees of campus

Old World sycamore

Native to the Mediterranean, the robustness of the Old World sycamore (Platanus orientalis) has enabled it to thrive in locations around the globe. This species has a large crown spread and big palmate leaves (five lobes) that resemble those of silver maple. The Old World sycamore shown here is a special planting, with a plaque telling the story of how the tree arrived at UBC. Its life began as a cutting from the original tree located on the island of Kos, Greece. The genetic kin of the tree that Hippocrates, the father of medicine, taught his students under, cuttings are given as gifts to universities around the world, including UBC. Approximately 500 years old, the Greek parent tree is also the largest Platanus orientalis in Europe. UBC’s cutting is a beautiful example of the species, sporting an estimated total height of 18.4 metres and a very large crown spread.

Send us your Trees of campus photos: sarah.ripplinger@ubc.ca