Puntos de Interés
Vegetation
Sycamore tree (Acer pseudoplatanus)
The sycamore can grow up to 30 m high. Its bark is smooth and greyish or orange in colour. The scientific name by which the Romans called this species - Acer pseudoplatanus - refers to the resemblance of its leaves to those of the shady yew tree. One of the peculiarities of this tree is that it is precisely with these leaves that the famous Asturian Cabrales cheeses have traditionally been wrapped. The so-called "false banana" flowers during April and May. Its flowers are greenish in colour and usually go unnoticed. This tree grows in cool, shady areas, provided the humidity of the environment is adequate, and can survive from sea level up to 2,000 m and on any type of substrate.
In terms of its distribution, the sycamore mainly inhabits central and southern Europe as well as south-west Asia. On the Iberian Peninsula it is more abundant in the northern areas, however, it has become popular as an ornamental species for walks and avenues in cities, which has seen its cultivation spread throughout the country. However, the "false banana” also has other uses, in fact, it is a highly valued wood because it is easy to work and does not crack easily, producing excellent charcoal.