Sycamore plant named ‘DRABROT’

Abstract

A new variety of Platanus occidentalis named ‘DRABROT’ which is characterized by a contorted, semi-weeping branch habit and dark green, disease-free leaves. In combination, these characteristics distinguish ‘DRABROT’ from all other cultivars known to the inventors.

Claims

1. A new and distinct variety of Platanus occidentalis named ‘DRABROT’, substantially as described and illustrated herein.

Description

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(1) Note: All references to color are using The R.H.S. Colour Chart, published by The Royal Horticultural Society, London, England 1966. Parentage: Originated as a spontaneous seedling of American Sycamore, Platanus occidentalis. Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. Growth rate: Slow compared to the specie and hybrids. When propagated by chip budding, 1-yr whips of ‘DRABROT’ averaged 44.2″ in height and 0.313″ diameter, compared to Platanus x acerifolia ‘Morton Circle’ which averaged 72.4″ and 0.813″ at the same age. Three-year old ‘DRABROT’ exhibited the following averages: 27″ annual lateral branch length; 0.25″ lateral branch diameter; 3.0-3.5″ internodal spacing; 33″ annual vertical growth; overall total plant height of 114″ and diameter of 1.35″ when measured 6″ above the ground. This compares to three-year-old Platanus occidentalis with averages of: 36″ annual lateral growth; 0.225″ lateral branch diameter; 4.0-4.5″ internodal spacing; 72″ vertical growth; overall plant height of 192″ and diameter of 2.55″ under field conditions in Madison, Ohio. Form/branch habit: From a short central stem, rather than producing a dominant central leader, multiple primary branches randomly arch outward radially at angles of 35° to 70° (degrees) from vertical. As these branches elongate, they contort and the tips may flatten horizontally or droop as much as 120° to 160° from vertical, yielding an umbrella-shaped crown with an interwoven, dense, semi-weeping habit, the combination of which might make this selection slightly more vulnerable to snow and ice load than is typical of this specie. Bark: The bark on the trunk of young trees is smooth, tight and dark, (Greyed-Green Group 195-A), with age developing lighter colored exfoliating plates (Greyed-Green Group 195-C to Greyed-Green Group 195-A) until finally on old plants nearly all white (White Group 155-C). Leaves: Deciduous. Arranged alternately on stems, simple, with 3-5 lobes and toothed margins, palmate venation. Thick, generally tatter resistant leaf blade to 8 inches or more wide and 6-7 inches long, held horizontally to slightly pendant. Tip is acute, base of older leaves typically cuneate. Newly emerged and young leaves, until reaching full size, have an unusual basal flap for which there is not a recognized, specific taxonomic term. Proportional to the size of the leaf and up to 1″ wide and 0.5″ long and not attached to the petiole, unlobed, auriculate and moderately toothed perhaps best described as a modified blade stipule or irregular peltation. As the leaf matures this feature disappears, becoming cuneate. Leaf color dark green above (Green Group 137-A), lighter below (Yellow-Green Group 147-B). Upper surface of leaf smooth, underside slightly hairy, especially on the veins. Hair easily loosened and can cause eye/nasal irritation. Leaves slightly aromatic when crushed, not considered unpleasant. Petiole 2-4″ long, depending on vigor and location on the tree, slightly flattened perpendicular to the leaf blade. Color variable: on young leaves, light green above and below (Yellow-Green Group 152-D) changing to light brown above (Grey-Orange Group 174-A) with age. The combination of large leaves, long petioles and dense branch habit create a specimen tree that gives an appearance of 100% foliation. Stipules: Typical of the species, ‘DRABROT’ produces stipules around the nodes from which leaves emerge. Producing a stipular collar up to 0.5″ wide and 1″ across, they are completely attached and encircle the twig except are lobed and detached directly over the petiole. Color Green Group 137-D. Stipules gradually dry and disappear from twigs as they age. Twigs/buds: The conical vegetative buds are dark, (Greyed-Orange Group 166-A) up to 0.25″ long×0.20″ wide, and only observed during the dormant season after leaf drop has occurred. During the growing season, buds are hidden and completely enclosed within the swollen, hollow base of the leaf petiole. New growth (twigs) are circular to oval in shape with faint longitudinal ribbing, Grey-Orange Group 165-A, darkening on larger (1″+ diameter), smooth branches (Grey-Green Group 197-B to Greyed-Green Group-A). Flowers/fruit: As for the species, male and female flowers, not showy, are borne in separate, drooping, ball-like heads. The female heads of flowers develop into 1″ diameter globose heads of seeds. The styles from the flowers extend from the ends of the seeds in the fruits, but bristles, such as are present in the fruits of London Planetree, are absent. Fruit color is Grey-Orange Group 164-C. Flower buds have not been observed or described for the purpose of this specification.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(2) The accompanying color drawing, labeled FIG. 1, illustrates the overall appearance of ‘DRABROT’ showing the semi-weeping and contorted growth habit, and the exfoliating bark patches, as exhibited on a 17-year old dormant, leaf-free specimen in a landscape application.

(3) The accompanying color drawing, labeled FIG. 2, illustrates the overall appearance of ‘DRABROT’ in mid-summer, showing the dense habit and dark green, disease-free leaves, as exhibited on a 17-year old specimen in a landscape application.