Churchyard Nature Note with Andrew Tompsett
March 2011
Sycamores, our version of a Biblical tree
Sycamore is one of the more numerous trees in our churchyard as it is throughout Cornwall.
Its strength and durability is recognised although it attracts ambivalent views; love it or hate it our Cornish
landscape would be less attractive without it.
Perhaps because it cannot claim to be a native species it is regarded as inferior to true natives like the oak
and ash which have endured here since the earliest times.
There are several references to what are referred to as Sycamore trees in the Bible but these are actually
sycamore-fig which is Ficus or fig. In Luke 19 Zacchaeus the tax collector climbed a sycamore-fig to see Jesus.
In 1 Kings, Solomon accumulated chariots and horses and made silver as common as stones and Cedar (trees)
as common as Sycamore–figs.
Our well known sycamore tree (Latin name Acer – a Maple) is a native of Central Europe and therefore originating
somewhat more northerly than the Sycamore-fig. It is perfectly hardy in our climate and its prolific flowering and
seeding can be a mixed blessing, since its helicopter-winged seeds reach undesirable places such as gaps between
tombstones. Many of our churchyard trees appear to have arisen in this way and have become a problem.
However one must admire nature for having invented the helicopter first and making the sycamore tree so prolific.
Tehidy, are thick with sycamores. Overcrowding, with seedling trees growing up, often results in poor specimens.
The bark is sugary (Maple syrup) and attractive to squirrels whose depredations result in distorted growth.
The sugary sap attracts a range of insects including lacewings, which feed on aphids – in the USA the trees
are sometimes encouraged to assist with biological control.
Given space in which to develop, sycamore can become a fine tree, the one standing on the five ways at
Paynters Lane End being an example. For many people the large leaves which often fall early due to tar spot fungus
and heavy shade are unwelcome features but overall the freedom with which sycamores grow here is a bonus and our
countryside would be the poorer without their rugged outline.
As far as the churchyard is concerned we don’t need any more sycamores, in fact a few less would be an advantage
if they could be replaced by more interesting native species. We are always open to suggestions.