A maple by any other name

The sycamore tree in our garden has responded to the recent rise in temperature and is now bursting into leaf and flower.

The European sycamore Acer pseudoplanatus is a species of maple; in Scotland it is sometimes known as the plane tree. It is a non-native species introduced from Europe sometime between the Bronze Age and the 17th century, depending on which authority you believe.

The species was possibly first introduced to act as a shade tree, a function it performs admirably. Its timber is also of use, being as strong as oak but not las long-lasting. The wood was commonly used for making toys or kitchen items as it was easily dyed. Sycamore was the favoured wood for making 'love spoons' in Wales.

The winged seeds of the tree will be familiar to children, and to children who, like me, have never grown up, as they make excellent "helicopters".

Most importantly of all, sycamore sap can be used to make beer and wine!

It looks its best through the naturalist's lens.