Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Acer pseudoplatanus L., Sp. Pl. 1054 (1753) – as pseudo-platanus
Vernacular Name(s):
Mock plane; Scottish maple; Sycamore; Sycamore maple
 Description

Monoecious, deciduous tree to 20 m high with smooth grey bark. Shoots green, glabrous. Buds large; inner scales to 5 cm long, pinkish. Petiole slender, to c. 15 cm long, usually reddish. Lamina simple, 5-lobed to c. 1/2 way on mature trees, mostly 8–14 × 10–20 cm, glaucescent or sometimes green below, becoming glabrous or with hairs confined to main vein axils below; lobes ovate, coarsely and irregularly crenate-serrate or lobulate; lf base subcordate or cordate. Panicles 5–15 cm long (including main stem), pendulous, appearing with the lvs; pedicels glabrous or hairy. Fls dense, numerous; sepals and petals 2–4 mm long, oblong, green. Stamens (6)–8–(10), exserted; filaments hairy towards base; anthers c. 1 mm long. Ovary white-villous. Samara wings 2–4 cm long, often reddish, usually spreading at a broadly obtuse angle, sometimes slightly incurved. Seed 0.5–1 cm long.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Oct.–Nov.

 Bibliography
Biosecurity New Zealand 2012: Regional Pest Management Strategies Database. http://www.biosecurityperformance.maf.govt.nz/
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Wilcox, M.; Bradshaw, C.; Cameron, E. 2004: Woody plants of the Auckland Domain. Auckland Botanical Society Journal 59(1): 44–56.