Oriental Plane
Latin name: Platanus orientalis
Synonyms: Platanus vulgaris
Family: Platanaceae (Planetree Family)
Distribution : In historic Kashmir, the tree was planted near Hindu holy places under names derived from the goddess Bhavani. Later in Muslim times it continued to be a major garden and landscape tree and dominates many historic gardens, now generally called chinar. For example, a famous landmark in Srinagar is an island on Dal Lake where four chinar trees stand, named Char Chinar. As another example, a 627-year-old chinar tree has been found at Chatargam, Chadoora, Badgam district, Kashmir. In repute it was planted in 1374 AD by an Islamic mystic, Syed-Abul Qasim Shah Hamdani.
Platanus orientalis-Chinar trees are being felled rapidly in Kashmir, although a recent ban has been enacted to curb cutting. Chinar trees are now required to be registered and are considered National Property of the Kashmir. Registered Chinars are painted white at their base. Increased awareness means most old Chinars are protected and looked after; however, some new Chinars must be cut as their growth can cause damage to roads and houses. Most people now view the Chinar as a matter of national pride.
Medicinal use of Oriental Plane/Platanus orientalis-Chinar: The leaves are astringent and vulnerary. The fresh leaves are bruised and applied to the eyes in the treatment of ophthalmia. A decoction is used to treat dysentery and a cream made from the leaves is used to heal wounds and chilblains. The leaves are harvested in the spring and summer and can be dried for later use. The bark is boiled in vinegar and then used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, hernias and toothache.
Habitat of the herb: By rivers in forests in the hills.
Other uses of Oriental Plane: A fabric dye is obtained from the branches and roots. The colour is not given. Wood - tough, difficult to split, not durable. It is not esteemed for carpentry, but has certain advantages in cabinet making, it is also used for inlay work and wood pulp.
Propagation of the Platanus orientalis-Chinar : Seed - two months cold stratification improves germination. Sow spring in a cold frame in light shade. Home grown seed is often of poor quality and low viability. It is best to harvest the seed in late winter or spring and then sow it immediately in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Minimum 100 seeds/per packet (Packed for 2012)
Platanus orientalis bark, Platanus orientalis seed, Platanus orientalis plant, Platanus orientalis seedlings are also available
For more details:
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House", Nambalbal, Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Ph: 09858986794/01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC
Latin name: Platanus orientalis
Synonyms: Platanus vulgaris
Family: Platanaceae (Planetree Family)
Distribution : In historic Kashmir, the tree was planted near Hindu holy places under names derived from the goddess Bhavani. Later in Muslim times it continued to be a major garden and landscape tree and dominates many historic gardens, now generally called chinar. For example, a famous landmark in Srinagar is an island on Dal Lake where four chinar trees stand, named Char Chinar. As another example, a 627-year-old chinar tree has been found at Chatargam, Chadoora, Badgam district, Kashmir. In repute it was planted in 1374 AD by an Islamic mystic, Syed-Abul Qasim Shah Hamdani.
Platanus orientalis-Chinar trees are being felled rapidly in Kashmir, although a recent ban has been enacted to curb cutting. Chinar trees are now required to be registered and are considered National Property of the Kashmir. Registered Chinars are painted white at their base. Increased awareness means most old Chinars are protected and looked after; however, some new Chinars must be cut as their growth can cause damage to roads and houses. Most people now view the Chinar as a matter of national pride.
Medicinal use of Oriental Plane/Platanus orientalis-Chinar: The leaves are astringent and vulnerary. The fresh leaves are bruised and applied to the eyes in the treatment of ophthalmia. A decoction is used to treat dysentery and a cream made from the leaves is used to heal wounds and chilblains. The leaves are harvested in the spring and summer and can be dried for later use. The bark is boiled in vinegar and then used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, hernias and toothache.
Habitat of the herb: By rivers in forests in the hills.
Other uses of Oriental Plane: A fabric dye is obtained from the branches and roots. The colour is not given. Wood - tough, difficult to split, not durable. It is not esteemed for carpentry, but has certain advantages in cabinet making, it is also used for inlay work and wood pulp.
Propagation of the Platanus orientalis-Chinar : Seed - two months cold stratification improves germination. Sow spring in a cold frame in light shade. Home grown seed is often of poor quality and low viability. It is best to harvest the seed in late winter or spring and then sow it immediately in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Minimum 100 seeds/per packet (Packed for 2012)
Platanus orientalis bark, Platanus orientalis seed, Platanus orientalis plant, Platanus orientalis seedlings are also available
For more details:
The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
"Ginkgo House", Nambalbal, Via Wuyan-Meej Road, Pampore PPR JK 192121
Ph: 09858986794/01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
home: The Jammu and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre-JKMPIC