Difference between revisions of "Sycamore" - New World Encyclopedia

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'''[[Sycamore]]''' is a name which is applied at various times and places to three very different types of [[tree]]s, but with somewhat similar [[leaf]] forms.
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* The sycamore (or sycomore) of the [[Bible]] is a species of [[fig]], ''Ficus sycomorus'', the [[sycamore fig]] or [[fig-mulberry]], native to the [[Middle East]] and eastern [[Africa]]. This tree was used in Ancient Egypt for medicine and mentioned in Egyptian mythology. [http://www.kinfonet.org/community/centres/sycamore/Tree.html]
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* The sycamore of [[United Kingdom|Britain]] and [[Ireland]] is a [[Europe]]an [[maple]] tree, ''[[Acer pseudoplatanus]]'', also called [[Sycamore Maple]] or confusingly the Plane tree in [[Scotland]].
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* The sycamores of [[North America]] are members of the genus ''[[Platanus]]''. There are several species, including the [[American sycamore]], and the [[California sycamore]].
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==Sycamore fig, ''Ficus_sycomorus''==
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{{Taxobox
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| color = lightgreen
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| name = Fig-mulberry
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| image = Ficus sycomorus.jpg
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| image_width = 240px
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| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
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| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
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| classis = [[Dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
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| ordo = [[Urticales]]
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| familia = [[Moraceae]]
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| genus = ''[[Ficus]]''
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| subgenus = ''Sycomorus''
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| species = '''''F. sycomorus'''''
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| binomial = ''Ficus sycomorus''
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| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
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}}
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'''''Ficus sycomorus''''', called the '''sycamore fig''' or the '''fig-mulberry''' (due to the leaves' resemblance to those of the [[Mulberry]]), '''sycamore''', or '''sycomore''', is a [[fig]] species that has been cultivated since early times. (Note that the name [[sycamore]] has been used for a variety of plants.) ''Ficus sycomorus'' is native to [[Africa]] south of the [[Sahel]] and north of the [[Tropic of Capricorn]], also excluding the central-west [[rainforest]] areas. It also grows naturally in the southern [[Arabian Peninsula]] and in very localized areas in [[Madagascar]], and has been naturalised in [[Israel]] and [[Egypt]].  In its native habitat, the tree is usually found in rich soils along rivers, but also in mixed woodlands.
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''Ficus sycomorus'' grows to 20 m tall and 6 m wide with a dense round crown of spreading branches. The [[leaf|leaves]] are heart-shaped with a round apex, 14 cm long by 10 cm wide, and arranged spirally around the twig. They are dark green above and lighter with prominent yellow veins below, and both surfaces are rough to the touch. The petiole is 0.5-3 cm long and pubescent. The [[fruit]] is a large edible fig, 2-3 cm in diameter, ripening from buff-green to yellow or red. They are borne in thick clusters on long branchlets or the leaf axil. Flowering and fruiting occurs year-round, peaking from July to December. The [[bark]] is green-yellow to orange and exfoliates in papery strips to reveal the yellow inner bark.  Like all other figs, it contains a [[latex]].
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''F. sycomorus'' is in the [[Near East|Near Orient]] a tree of great importance and very extensive use. It has wide-spreading branches and affords a delightful shade. The [[ancient Egypt]]ians cultivated this species "almost exclusively", according to Zohary and Hopf. Remains of ''F. sycomorus'' begin to appear in predynastic levels, and in quantity from the start of the [[third millennium B.C.E.]]. Zohary and Hopf note that "the fruit and the timber, and sometimes even the twigs, are richly represented in the tombs of Early, Middle and Late Kingdoms. in numerous cases the parched [[sycon]]s bear characteristic gashing marks indicating that this art, which induces ripening, was practice in Egypt in ancient times."<ref>Daniel Zohary and Maria Hopf, ''Domestication of plants in the Old World'', third edition (Oxford: University Press, 2000), p. 165</ref> Although this species of fig requires the presence of the symbiotic wasp ''[[Ceratosolen arabicus]]'' to reproduce sexually, and this insect is extinct in Egypt, Zohay and Hopf have no doubt that Egypt was "the principal area of sycamore fig development."  Some of the caskets of mummies in [[Egypt]] are made from the wood of this tree.
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In the [[Bible]], {{bibleverse||Amos|7:14}} refers to the fruit of the sycamore, which is of an inferior character; so also probably {{bibleverse||Jeremiah|24:2}}. At [[Jericho]], [[Zacchaeus]] climbed a sycamore-tree to see [[Jesus]] as he passed by ({{bibleverse||Luke|19:4}}).
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==Sycamore maple, ''Acer pseudoplatanus''==
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{{Taxobox
 +
| color = lightgreen
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| name = Sycamore Maple
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| image = Acer-pseudoplatanus.JPG
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| image_width = 240px
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| image_caption = Sycamore Maple leaves
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| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
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| divisio = [[flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
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| classis = [[dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
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| ordo = [[Sapindales]]
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| familia = [[Sapindaceae]]
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| genus = [[Maple|Acer]]
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| species = '''''A. pseudoplatanus'''''
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| binomial = ''Acer pseudoplatanus''
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| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
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}}
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'''''Acer pseudoplatanus''''', commonly known as '''sycamore''' in many parts of [[Europe]], '''sycamore maple''' in [[North America]] (to distinguish it from ''[[Platanus occidentalis]]'', which is also called sycamore), and [[Plane]] in [[Scotland]]. It is one of the most common [[maple]]s in Europe, native to central Europe from [[France]] east to [[Poland]], and south in the mountains to northern [[Spain]] and [[Turkey]]. Sycamores now occur throughout the [[British Isles]], having been introduced in the 17th century<ref>Preston, Pearman & Dines (2002) ''New Atlas of the British Flora''. Oxford University Press.</ref>.
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The sycamore is a [[deciduous]] tree that reaches 20&ndash;35 m tall at maturity, with a broad, domed crown. On young trees, the [[bark]] is smooth and grey but becomes rougher with age and breaks up in scales, exposing the pale-brown-to-pinkish inner bark.
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[[Image:Maple leaves.jpg|thumb|left|Leaves]]
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The [[Leaf|leaves]] are opposite, 10-25 cm long and broad with a 5-15 cm petiole, palmately-veined with five lobes with toothed edges, and dark green in colour; some [[cultivar]]s have purple-tinged or yellowish leaves.
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The monoecious yellow-green [[flower]]s are produced in spring on 10-20 cm pendulous [[raceme]]s, with 20-50 flowers on each stalk. The 5-10 mm diameter [[seed]]s are paired in [[Samara (fruit)|samara]]s, each seed with a 20-40 mm long wing to catch the wind and rotate when they fall; this helps them to spread further from the parent tree. The seeds are mature in autumn about 6 months after pollination.
 +
 +
The name "sycamore" originally belongs to the [[fig]] species ''[[Ficus sycomorus]]'' native to southwest [[Asia]] (this is the sycamore or sycomore referred to in the [[Bible]]), and was later misapplied to this species (and others; see also ''[[Platanus]]'') by reason of the superficial similarity in leaf shape. To avoid confusion, the name Sycamore Maple is used here.
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The Sycamore Maple is noted for its tolerance of wind, [[urban area|urban]] [[pollution]] and [[sodium chloride|salt]] spray, which makes it a popular tree for planting in [[city|cities]], along [[road]]s treated with salt in winter, and in [[coast]]al localities. It is cultivated and widely naturalised north of its native range in northern Europe, notably in the [[British Isles]] and [[Scandinavia]] north to [[Tromsø]], [[Norway]]; [[Reykjavík]], [[Iceland]], and [[Torshavn]] on the [[Faroe Islands]]. In [[North America]], escapes from cultivation are most common in [[New England]], [[New York City]] and the [[Pacific Northwest]]. It is planted in many temperate parts of the [[Southern Hemisphere]], most commonly in [[New Zealand]] and on the [[Falkland Islands]]. The popular cultivar 'Brilliantissimum' is notable for the bright salmon-pink colour of the young foliage.
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Sycamore is planted for [[timber]] production; the [[wood]] is white with a silky lustre, and hard-wearing, used for [[furniture]] and [[parquetry|flooring]]. Occasional trees produce wood with a wavy grain, greatly increasing the value for decorative [[veneer]]s. European sycamore is a traditional wood used in creating necks, backs, and scrolls for violins.
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Sycamore flowers produce abundant nectar, which makes a fragrant, delicately flavoured and pale-coloured honey.
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<gallery>
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Image:Acer, stage 1.JPG|Stage 1
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Image:Acer, stage 2.JPG|Stage 2
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Image:Acer, stage 3.JPG|Stage 3
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Image:Acer, stage 4.JPG|Stage 4
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</gallery>
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Stages in opening leaf buds.
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==References==
 +
<references/>
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* Humphries C.J., Press J.R. and Sutton D.A. : Trees of Britain and Europe (Hamlyn guide); The Hamlyn Publishing Group Ltd., 1992; ISBN 0-600-57511-X
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* Hessayon Dr. D.G. ''The Tree & Shrub Expert'', ISBN 0-903505-17-7
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== Notes ==
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<div class="references-small"><references/></div>
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==External links==
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*[http://www.figweb.org/Ficus/Subgenus_Sycomorus/Section_Sycomorus/Subsection_Sycomorus/Ficus_sycomorus_sycomorus.htm Figweb.org]
 +
*[http://www.ulandslaere.au.dk/NOTICES/TeachingMaterial/TeachingMaterial_2000_01/undervisningsmateriale/Lars_Moller/Wild_fig.pdf U-landslære Approaches to Development - Sycamore Fig]
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*[http://www.botswana-tourism.gov.bw/flora_and_fauna/sycamore.html Botswana Tourism Flora and Fauna]
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*PBS ''[[Nature (TV series)|Nature]]'' documentary "The Queen of Trees" (on the sycamore fig in Kenya)
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**http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/queenoftrees/index.html
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**http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/php/search.php?search=search&keywords=queen&show_title=none
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[[Category:Life sciences]]
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{{credit|Sycamore|167941824|Ficus_sycomorus|152933922|Acer_pseudoplatanus|167415894}}

Revision as of 23:59, 31 October 2007


Sycamore is a name which is applied at various times and places to three very different types of trees, but with somewhat similar leaf forms.

  • The sycamore (or sycomore) of the Bible is a species of fig, Ficus sycomorus, the sycamore fig or fig-mulberry, native to the Middle East and eastern Africa. This tree was used in Ancient Egypt for medicine and mentioned in Egyptian mythology. [1]
  • The sycamore of Britain and Ireland is a European maple tree, Acer pseudoplatanus, also called Sycamore Maple or confusingly the Plane tree in Scotland.
  • The sycamores of North America are members of the genus Platanus. There are several species, including the American sycamore, and the California sycamore.

Sycamore fig, Ficus_sycomorus

Fig-mulberry
Ficus sycomorus.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Urticales
Family: Moraceae
Genus: Ficus
Subgenus: Sycomorus
Species: F. sycomorus
Binomial name
Ficus sycomorus
L.

Ficus sycomorus, called the sycamore fig or the fig-mulberry (due to the leaves' resemblance to those of the Mulberry), sycamore, or sycomore, is a fig species that has been cultivated since early times. (Note that the name sycamore has been used for a variety of plants.) Ficus sycomorus is native to Africa south of the Sahel and north of the Tropic of Capricorn, also excluding the central-west rainforest areas. It also grows naturally in the southern Arabian Peninsula and in very localized areas in Madagascar, and has been naturalised in Israel and Egypt. In its native habitat, the tree is usually found in rich soils along rivers, but also in mixed woodlands.

Ficus sycomorus grows to 20 m tall and 6 m wide with a dense round crown of spreading branches. The leaves are heart-shaped with a round apex, 14 cm long by 10 cm wide, and arranged spirally around the twig. They are dark green above and lighter with prominent yellow veins below, and both surfaces are rough to the touch. The petiole is 0.5-3 cm long and pubescent. The fruit is a large edible fig, 2-3 cm in diameter, ripening from buff-green to yellow or red. They are borne in thick clusters on long branchlets or the leaf axil. Flowering and fruiting occurs year-round, peaking from July to December. The bark is green-yellow to orange and exfoliates in papery strips to reveal the yellow inner bark. Like all other figs, it contains a latex.

F. sycomorus is in the Near Orient a tree of great importance and very extensive use. It has wide-spreading branches and affords a delightful shade. The ancient Egyptians cultivated this species "almost exclusively", according to Zohary and Hopf. Remains of F. sycomorus begin to appear in predynastic levels, and in quantity from the start of the third millennium B.C.E. Zohary and Hopf note that "the fruit and the timber, and sometimes even the twigs, are richly represented in the tombs of Early, Middle and Late Kingdoms. in numerous cases the parched sycons bear characteristic gashing marks indicating that this art, which induces ripening, was practice in Egypt in ancient times."[1] Although this species of fig requires the presence of the symbiotic wasp Ceratosolen arabicus to reproduce sexually, and this insect is extinct in Egypt, Zohay and Hopf have no doubt that Egypt was "the principal area of sycamore fig development." Some of the caskets of mummies in Egypt are made from the wood of this tree.

In the Bible, Amos 7:14 refers to the fruit of the sycamore, which is of an inferior character; so also probably Jeremiah 24:2. At Jericho, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore-tree to see Jesus as he passed by (Luke 19:4).

Sycamore maple, Acer pseudoplatanus

Sycamore Maple
Sycamore Maple leaves
Sycamore Maple leaves
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Sapindales
Family: Sapindaceae
Genus: Acer
Species: A. pseudoplatanus
Binomial name
Acer pseudoplatanus
L.

Acer pseudoplatanus, commonly known as sycamore in many parts of Europe, sycamore maple in North America (to distinguish it from Platanus occidentalis, which is also called sycamore), and Plane in Scotland. It is one of the most common maples in Europe, native to central Europe from France east to Poland, and south in the mountains to northern Spain and Turkey. Sycamores now occur throughout the British Isles, having been introduced in the 17th century[2].

The sycamore is a deciduous tree that reaches 20–35 m tall at maturity, with a broad, domed crown. On young trees, the bark is smooth and grey but becomes rougher with age and breaks up in scales, exposing the pale-brown-to-pinkish inner bark.

Leaves

The leaves are opposite, 10-25 cm long and broad with a 5-15 cm petiole, palmately-veined with five lobes with toothed edges, and dark green in colour; some cultivars have purple-tinged or yellowish leaves.

The monoecious yellow-green flowers are produced in spring on 10-20 cm pendulous racemes, with 20-50 flowers on each stalk. The 5-10 mm diameter seeds are paired in samaras, each seed with a 20-40 mm long wing to catch the wind and rotate when they fall; this helps them to spread further from the parent tree. The seeds are mature in autumn about 6 months after pollination.

The name "sycamore" originally belongs to the fig species Ficus sycomorus native to southwest Asia (this is the sycamore or sycomore referred to in the Bible), and was later misapplied to this species (and others; see also Platanus) by reason of the superficial similarity in leaf shape. To avoid confusion, the name Sycamore Maple is used here.

The Sycamore Maple is noted for its tolerance of wind, urban pollution and salt spray, which makes it a popular tree for planting in cities, along roads treated with salt in winter, and in coastal localities. It is cultivated and widely naturalised north of its native range in northern Europe, notably in the British Isles and Scandinavia north to Tromsø, Norway; Reykjavík, Iceland, and Torshavn on the Faroe Islands. In North America, escapes from cultivation are most common in New England, New York City and the Pacific Northwest. It is planted in many temperate parts of the Southern Hemisphere, most commonly in New Zealand and on the Falkland Islands. The popular cultivar 'Brilliantissimum' is notable for the bright salmon-pink colour of the young foliage.

Sycamore is planted for timber production; the wood is white with a silky lustre, and hard-wearing, used for furniture and flooring. Occasional trees produce wood with a wavy grain, greatly increasing the value for decorative veneers. European sycamore is a traditional wood used in creating necks, backs, and scrolls for violins.

Sycamore flowers produce abundant nectar, which makes a fragrant, delicately flavoured and pale-coloured honey.

  • Stage 1

  • Stage 2

  • Stage 3

  • Stage 4

Stages in opening leaf buds.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  1. ↑ Daniel Zohary and Maria Hopf, Domestication of plants in the Old World, third edition (Oxford: University Press, 2000), p. 165
  2. ↑ Preston, Pearman & Dines (2002) New Atlas of the British Flora. Oxford University Press.
  • Humphries C.J., Press J.R. and Sutton D.A. : Trees of Britain and Europe (Hamlyn guide); The Hamlyn Publishing Group Ltd., 1992; ISBN 0-600-57511-X
  • Hessayon Dr. D.G. The Tree & Shrub Expert, ISBN 0-903505-17-7

Notes

External links

Credits

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