Distribution of the species
In Bulgaria, the Oriental plane-tree is distributed up to 600 m above sea level. In the Struma Valley, the valley of the Mesta River, the Middle (near the village of Bachkovo) and the Eastern Rhodopes (the valley of the Arda River), the Thracian Lowland (Plovdiv and Harmanli).
Description of the species (biological and ecological features)
The Oriental plane-tree grows on the stony and sandy spills of the rivers almost immediately next to the flowing waters. It occurs mainly singly or in groups of several trees. Forms independent communities, as well as participates in mixed riparian communities on alluvial soils in Southern Bulgaria.
Tree of the first size, reaches a height of 30-50 m and a diameter of 2-4 m. The leaves are large, deeply palmately cut, most often in 5 sections. The flowers are small, gathered in small spherical inflorescences, located 2 to 7 on a long, drooping, common stalk.
The fruit is a small nut with an elongated, conical shape. It blooms almost simultaneously with the leafing. The flowering period is May-June, and the fruit-bearing period is August-September.
Conservation status
Unknown.
Conservation state
Oriental plane-tree communities are included in Annex 1 of the Biodiversity Act (BDA) and Annex I of Directive 92/43 / EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (Habitats Directive).
Platanus orientalis is also included in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – with the category “Data Deficient” (DD).
The species forms a natural habitat “Forests of eastern plane tree (Platanus orientalis)”, which is included in the Red Book of the Republic of Bulgaria (2015) with the category “Endangered”.
*Note: For the description of plants is used information from: Peev, D. & al. (eds). 2015. Red Data Book of the Republic of Bulgaria. Vol. 1. Plants and Fungi. BAS, Sofia [English ed.: ISBN: 978-954-9746-21-1 (IBER – BAS)]; A practical guide for Identifying, Managing, and Monitoring of High Conservation Value Forests in Bulgaria. Sofia, WWF – Bulgaria, 145 pp.; the website of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).