Plane tree

There is a plane tree on the Greek island of Kos called the “Tree of Hippocrates,” which has a circumference of over 12 meters, and is said to be over 2,000 years old. It stands as the perfect illustration of the incredible resistance of this species. There is speculation as to whether the health and longevity of the tree is due to the highly specific regenerative process of its bark. At maturity, the bark turns into large scales, called rhytidomes, which peel off to reveal a new, smooth, soft bark. This molting process inspired Greek mythologists to consider the plane tree a symbol of renewal.