Sycamore leaves. View of four newly opened leaves of the sycamore tree (^IAcer ^Ipseudoplatanus^i). This large tree is native to central Europe, and was introduced to Britain in the 16th century. The excellent wood is used to make furniture, flooring and musical instruments, and also makes a good fuel. The branching pattern of the veins in the leaves is characteristic of dicotyledonous plants.