The sycamore maple is a tall, stately deciduous tree with a distinctive bark that stands out from other maples and is somewhat reminiscent of that of the Platanus tree. This is even reflected in the sycamore's Latin species name - pseudoplatanus, which can be translated as "false Platanus tree." It is the largest maple and one of the largest representatives of its genus. It plays an important role in forming mountainous moist and shady forests, both as an element of their phytocenosis and as a source of valuable wood.