Origin: England. Greyish- brown bark, very thin and flaking off in large pieces to reveal very decorative white or cream patches. Leaves: deciduous, large, 20-22cm wide, palmate with 3-5 lobes, the central one being very prominent, glossy green. Sometimes the winter colour of the leaves is yellow, sometimes brownish-yellow. Flowers: in spring, not very showy, the male flowers are yellowish heads, the female ones are reddish. Fruit: round, almost always in pairs, initially green, reddish-brown when mature; they remain on the plant for a long time, hanging from the branches on long stalks. Adapts to all types of soil but prefers moist soil, deep, siliceous. Withstands pollution, temporary periods of excessive humidity or extremes of temperature. These are the best trees for parks and are perfect for lining wide streets.