Acer pseudoplatanus L.
Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) is a large, deciduous tree that is native to central and southern Europe. It was introduced to New Zealand as an ornamental tree and was first recorded in the wild (naturalised) in 1880. The tree grows up to about 20 metres tall and has smooth grey bark, large five-lobed leaves, and small green flowers in dense clusters. It flowers from October to November, which develop into winged seeds that mature from late summer to early autumn. It tolerates shade, drought and frost, and resprouts from stumps after physical damage. It is deciduous and reproduces by seed. Seeds are dispersed by gravity and wind. Seeds germinate in spring, and the seed bank is transient, with seeds probably remaining viable in the soil for no more than one year.
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