184. Dublin’s Choicest Tree
If, like me, you’re interested in London planes, this Irish tree is sure to intrigue.
Every pundit has their favourites at the National Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin, and repeat visits will reward the cognoscenti with new discoveries. A tree that holds the affections of many, including my own, is the ‘Suttnerii’ London plane growing on the river Tolka’s southern bank. Its striking variegated leaves signify this is one of only a very few trees of its type in the world, which is why it is of such interest to me.
Species details
Variegated London plane
Platanus × hispanica ‘Suttnerii’
Where to find it
National Botanic Gardens, Botanic Road, Dublin 9, D09 YV29
///safely.gifts.slice | 53.375013, -6.275629
Suttnerii notes
Variegated plane trees of the ‘Suttnerii’ cultivar exist primarily as footnotes in botanical literature; they are so elusive, I was beginning to wonder if they actually existed. I was thrilled therefore to discover this example in Dublin. It is still the only one I have seen, but I suspect that because it grows in such an august institution as the National Botanic Gardens, it might one day be cloned and scions could appear in collections elsewhere. Not to mention parks and gardens across Ireland and Britain…
Oooh!
Thanks Paul. Will have to investigate sometime.