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Plane tree bark

The bark of the London plane flakes off in small patches to expose new bark underneath. This is a form of self-cleansing that was considered important during the industrial revolution as the plane could withstand a lot of pollution.

The bark is far from uniform in how it presents itself. The faster the tree grows the more shedding of bark there is; more slowly-expanding stems tend to acquire a much more substantial rind, which may become a thick crust and take many years to drop away. Also, the tree often acquires a range of lichens which add richness to its colours and patterns.

Click for photos of textures and colours.