Botanical Information:
Prominent tree of riparian habitat
communities on the Cal Poly campus, the California sycamore
(Platanus racemosa) has large palmated, lobed
leaves and a characteristic mottled white bark. It ranges in
height from 30 to 100 feet, with trunk diameters that average
from 2 to 4 feet. Multiple trunks are common and often grow
at odd angles. This deciduous dweller of the shady canyons shares
its habitat with other riparian trees, such as the cottonwood
poplar and the willow. The leaves are large, 4 - 10" (10
- 25 cm), with 5 pointed lobes.Growing near canyon bottoms below
6500', the California sycamore can be found along the Central
Coast Ranges and foothills of the Southern Sierras, through
coastal Southern California and into Baja California. Flowers
form in small balls that hang from the branches in chains or
clusters numbering from 2 to 7. It is from this flower pattern
that it gets it scientific designation "racemosa."
Links to additional botanical information
on sycamores:
Associated Fauna:
Sycamores provide an essential habitat to a large number of
animals that rely on its foliage for food and protection. The
long, spreading branches provide pathways for squirrels and
other small creatures. Because it is the tallest member of the
riparian community, hawks in particular use the high canopy
to sight prey.
In the spring, sycamores are stricken by the anthracnose fungus
(Gnomonia platani). This fungus has evolved with the
tree in a symbiotc (parasitic) relationship. The sycamore has
adapted to the fungus, which attacks the first leave of the
spring. The tree is partially of fully denuded during the cool,
moist spring but grows a second set of leaves and survives unharmed.
Anthracnose demonstrates a viable parasite-host relationship,
in which the parasite feeds on the host but does not kill it.
The extent of its spread, and severity of its attacks, are a
function of temperature and moisture - it is more severe during
cool springs with high rainfall.
Links to additional information regarding fauna:
Associated Issues:
The issue of drinking water quality and riparian habitats are
closely related. As Califonia continues to develop, increasing
pressure is put on these vital habitats. Within the last century,
over 90% of California's original riparian communities have
been lost.
Trees are often thought of as being beneficial to air quality
because of their ability to consume carbon dioxide and generate
oxygen. But according to the California Environmental Protection
Agency's Air Resources Board, certain trees, like sycamores,
actually add to air pollution. These trees produce biogenic
(naturally occurring) volatile organic compounds (VOC). These
compounds are pollutants in themselves and create ozone and
fine particulate matter which is damaging to the human respiratory
system.
Links to additional information for associated
issues:
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