Platanus orientalis

A remarkable example of Chinar tree

Leaves and fruit

Platanus orientalis, also called Chinar tree, the Old World Sycamore or the Oriental Plane tree,"USDA GRIN Taxonomy". Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2014. is a large, deciduous tree of the Platanaceae family. It is known for its longevity and spreading crown.

The species name derives from its historical distribution eastward from the Balkans, where it was recognized in ancient Greek history and literature. Following Greek usage it is called Platane or related names in Europe. It was equally as famous to the Iranian-speaking world and from Turkey to Occupied Kashmir is called Chenar or related names, following the Iranian.

The native range of the Oriental plane is Eurasia from the Balkans to as far east as at least Iran. Some accounts extend its native range to Iberia in the west, and to the Himalayas in the east.

The oriental plane is found naturally in riverine settings, together with such trees as alder, willow and poplar. However, it is quite capable of survival and success in dry soils once it is established. In Kashmir it is recognised as the State tree of the region.

Kashmir

Famous Char Chinar island containing four chinar trees on Dal lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

The Chinar was introduced to Kashmir, roughly 650 years ago, by the Sufi Saint Syed Qasim Shah. After the advent of Muslim rule, Chinar continued to be a major garden and landscape tree, and dominates many historic gardens. It is a living heritage of Kashmir. It is seen as a symbol for the region. It is a majestic tree that can be found throughout the landscape of the valley, hillsides and cities, generally called booune in Kashmiri and chinar in Hindustani. The tree known for its elegance and exuberance has remained an attraction for artists and litterateurs. One tree believed to be planted in 1374 A.D at the Chattergam village by an Islamic mystic Syed Abul Qaim Hamadani who accompanied Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani from Iran to Kashmir, is believed by many in Kashmir to be the world's oldest surviving chinar tree.

Chinar trees are being felled rapidly in Kashmir, although a ban was enacted in 2009 to curb cutting. Chinar trees are now required to be registered, considered State Property, and painted white at their base. Naseem Bagh a Mughal garden near Srinagar with over 700 chinar trees has been developed as a Chinar Heritage Park by the University of Kashmir.

Cultural reference

Chinars at the Kashmir University in Srinagar, Kashmir during autumn.

The Chinar leaf is considered a national symbol in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The government seal continues to include the leaf. Many universities, including the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir also include the symbol.