The Jacaranda minosisfolia tree, also known as Blue Jacaranda, puts on a spectacular display of purple flowers in the Spring and early Summer.
It is subtropical, originating from Central and South America but will tolerate short periods of below freezing. I first saw a Jacaranda on Maui, Hawaii. It was the end of May early April when the trees were in full bloom. I was floored at its magnificent sight of purple flowers.
photo ... google images
The flowers are 5 cm / 2 inches long and grouped in 12" long panicles. Woody pods are then produced containing many winged seeds.
Jacarandas have been dispersed around the world. You can find them in California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas and Florida. In Europe Spain, Portugal and along the Mediterranean. Pretoria, South Africa is known as "The Jacaranda City" because of its many street and park trees. Australia from Melbourne in the South to Cairns in the North. Also in Perth.
The fallen blossoms create a purple carpet beneath.
What's to not like about this tree? Well besides those who LOVE the Jacaranda there are also those that HATE her. Unfortunately along with the good comes some bad. A sticky liquid comes with the flowers that causes a mess on all it touches.
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-jacaranda-love-hate-20150418-story.html
Whatever you do don't park you car under one.
https://www.thefreelibrary.com/BEHOLD+THE+GLORIOUS+-+AND+MESSY+-+JACARANDA+TREE.-a083598919
Pods and seeds
sources ... Wikipedia, duckduckgo.com, latimes.com
I think i saw them in California a long time ago. Those seed pods look familiar.
They are popular.
A very beautiful tree and color. The street looks nice because of it.
Looks good but makes everything sticky.
Plenty of Jacarandas in my city. I was just going to mention the mess that they make. Opinion is very divided about them: they are beautiful but really use a lot of water in a dry landscape
But they are a sight to behold. :-)
True
I adore these trees !!! in Israel we have the advantage of admiring them during their flowering. it's stunningly beautiful !!! by the way there is absolutely no problem with parking cars under them :)
ok Thanks