Jacaranda is a genus of about 50 species of flowering shrubs and trees in the family Bignoniaceae. Although native to Central and South America, Jacaranda has been planted widely in Asia and Australia.
These plants have fern-like, dark green foliage and dense clusters of soft, purple-blue trumpet flowers that make a showy display in spring and early summer. Jacaranda trees can grow up to 32 ft (10 meters) in height, which makes them excellent shade trees or street trees.
Name meaning
The name “jacaranda” has Guarani origin and it means “fragrant”.
The Guarani language is part of the Tupi-Guarani language family that belongs to South America. It is spoken by about 4.6 million people in Paraguay. Guarani speakers can also be found in Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina.
Jacaranda symbolism
Jacaranda represents wisdom and knowledge. It is sometimes planted near educational institutions and university campuses to provide both shade and wisdom. The plant is also associated with the Amazonian moon goddess who is known for her wisdom and wise teachings.
This plant symbolizes wealth and good luck, especially in Western cultures. Legend says if the flower falls on your head, it means good fortune for you.
Jacaranda also represents rebirth and spring life around us. In spring you can see wonderful Jacaranda trees in full bloom around the world, and some of the best places to capture them are in Mexico City.
Interesting facts about Jacaranda
The Legend of Jacaranda
According to an Amazon legend, a beautiful bird called Mitu landed atop a Jacaranda tree, bringing a beautiful indigenous priestess with it. The priestess, called Daughter of the Moon, descended from the tree and lived among the villagers. She shared with them her knowledge, wisdom and ethics, showing them the difference between good and evil. After she fulfilled her mission, she returned back to the tree adorned in Jacaranda blooms and ascended to the heavens where she united with her promised one, the Son of the Sun, who had fulfilled a similar mission in another part of the jungle.
Popularity of Jacaranda in the United States
Katherine Olivia “Kate” Sessions (1857 – 1940), a horticulturist and botanist, brought Jacarandas to Los Angeles in the early 20th century. In 1933, the city forester declared the Jacaranda the most exotic tree in Los Angeles. When the Jacaranda trees bloom, the whole of Los Angeles goes into party mode. They’re absolutely gorgeous and make a wonderful visual impact.
Kate is also credited with popularizing the plant in San Diego. She is famous for planting many trees and flowers in San Diego. She was a pioneering horticulturalist who helped transform dry and dusty San Diego’s City Park into a colorful environment.
Why is Jacaranda Sticky?
These pretty and breathtaking flowers are sticky, creating mess on patios, streets, driveways and cars.
It is caused by aphids, insects that flock to the flowers and secrete a sugary substance after feeding, leaving sticky droppings called honeydew.
Jacaranda Benefits and Uses
Jacaranda has been used as a natural remedy for treating bacterial infections, gonorrhea, syphilis and leukemia. It is also used to treat neuralgia, varicose veins, acne, wounds and skin infections.
Jacaranda Plant Data
Plant Type:
Shrubs, Trees
Color:
These flowers come in shades of purple and blue.
Hardiness Zones:
9-11
Blooms in:
Spring, Summer
Height:
These plants grow between 1 and 10 metres (3-32 ft) tall, depending on species.
Soil needs:
Although Jacaranda tolerates a wide variety of soils, it grows best in sandy soil, with a slightly acidic pH range.
