Consider how this Platane am Spielhaus whispers tales of love and history. Planted in 1779, this tree stands tall in Stuttgart’s Hohenheim Gardens. It is more than just a tree. It’s a symbol of affection and a living monument.
This Platane am Spielhaus is located in the Exotischer Garten. The garden is part of the Hohenheim Gardens of the University of Hohenheim. You can find the Platane am Spielhaus near the Garbenstraße.
Carl Eugen von Württemberg planted the Platane am Spielhaus. He wanted to show his love for Franziska. That is why the Platane am Spielhaus is also called Franziska Platane or Liebesplatane. Love Platane in English.
The Platane am Spielhaus is a hybrid. It combines the frost resistance of the American Platane. It also combines the drought tolerance of the Mediterranean Platane. This makes it a strong tree.
Platanen have only been in Central Europe for about 360 years. The hybrid Platane is not natural. Its parents come from different continents. One is from the eastern Mediterranean. The other is from Canada and the USA. No one knows exactly where the hybrid Platane came from. It was probably in England.
The Platane am Spielhaus has a trunk circumference of 7.70 meters. This was measured in December 2022. It is about 34 meters tall.
The bark of the Platane am Spielhaus is special. It has different sized and colored scales. These scales create a changing pattern on the trunk. The oldest scales are dark brown. When they fall off, they reveal light bark underneath. This creates a puzzle of colors and textures.
The leaves of the Platane am Spielhaus look like maple leaves. The fruits hang on long stems. They sway in the wind during winter.
The park around the Platane am Spielhaus is in English style. It has many exotic trees. Since 1953, it is the Landesarboretum Baden-Württemberg. Since 2011, it is part of the Hohenheim Gardens.
The Spielhaus next to the Platane am Spielhaus was used for parties. The Duke and Duchess enjoyed festive events there. It was a meeting place for card games and socializing. Today, the building houses the Museum of Hohenheim History.
Inside the museum, you can see a model of the garden. It shows the trees, waters, and buildings. The museum also displays the history of garden art.
The Platane am Spielhaus is home to many creatures. Beetles, insects, and fungi live on it. It contributes to the protection of species. In 2023, the Platane am Spielhaus was named a National Heritage Tree.
Take a moment to appreciate this magnificent tree. The Platane am Spielhaus stands as a testament to love and history. It connects us to the past. It reminds us of the beauty of nature.