Jacaranda mimosifolia

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Bignoniaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Jacaranda

Species

mimosifolia

Description

Spectacular medium-sized tree, 5/15 m tall. The main distinguishing feature of the plant are its lavender-blue blossoms, which have determined its popularity as an ornamental tree. The plant grows rapidly and regrows easily if pruned poorly. The bark is thin, grey-brown, smooth when the tree is young, although it becomes finely scaly with time. Twice pinnate compound leaves, up to 45 cm long. Its flowers are beautiful, lavender blue, tubular, 2.5 cm long and appear in dense terminal clusters. Due to the high flowering at anthesis the entire tree appears blue. The fruit is a round, flat, reddish-brown woody capsule containing numerous small winged seeds. Adult plants can tolerate short periods of temperatures down to around -7 °C; prefers full sun, well ventilated areas and fairly well drained soil. Suitable for gardens, parks and rows, as well as in pots and hanging greenery in containers of at least one cubic metre of soil.

Curiosities and special features

The genus name is that given to the plant in Brazil, while the specific epithet mimosifolia refers to the mimosa-like leaves.

The wood obtained from it, improperly called rosewood, is highly prized and used for the construction of furniture.

Origin and distribution

Native species of the subtropical biome extending from Bolivia to north-west Argentina.

The plant has spread to South Africa, to the extent that the capital Pretoria is known as 'The City of the Jacaranda'.

Leaf

The deciduous, compound leaf is bipinnate and up to 45 cm long.

Leaf colour

The leaves are evenly coloured, bright green on the upper side and slightly lighter on the lower side. They generally appear after flowering.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 4 to 20 m, depending on the growing conditions.

The Jacaranda is a second-sized tree.

Lifespan

Deciduous polyannual tree.

Where to plant

Versatile in use, it is suitable as a plant for flowerbeds , gardens and parks, rock gardens, large flowerbeds and street roundabouts, large pots, terraces.

Stem

It has a woody stem with thin grey-brown bark, smooth when the tree is young although it becomes finely scaly with time; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, large in size, with a tubular corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in large raceme inflorescences. It flowers from early summer to late summer, with a flowering period of between 30 and 150 days. It has sweet notes and is lightly scented, with an intense aroma. It is attractive to bees and bumblebees.

Growth

Medium and fast Growth plant.

Plant habit

It develops an erect habitus with dense, broad, rounded foliage.

Branching

Abundant branching gives the foliage high density.

PH

It requires a soil pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting at the end of autumn, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and bulky pebbles; carry out a basic fertilisation by uniformly burying organic or slow-release chemical fertiliser.

Sun exposure

Requires exposure to bright shade, full sun for better flowering and proper vegetative growth.

Ideal climate and temperature

It develops well in warm, humid climates. The ideal temperature is between 0.0 and 30 °C.

Adult plants can tolerate short periods of temperatures down to around -7 °C.

Use

The elegance of its bearing, the uniqueness of its flowering as well as the quality of its wood make the Jacaranda mimosifolia highly valued in the following areas of use
Outdoor ornamental Outdoor landscape design Landscaping For cut flowers, for cut foliage Plants for timber production

Hardiness

Highly rustic species.

Soil

It adapts to different soil conditions, however it prefers medium-textured, structured, well-draining soil with organic matter.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation indications
Balanced fertilisation Expose the plant to maximum light Prefers warm and humid climate Exposure to direct light Correct pruning

Planting

Choose healthy specimens, free from abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Always identify the planting site in advance in relation to the growth conditions required by the species according to the principle 'the right plant in the right place'.

It is advisable to completely bury the root ball in the previously dug planting hole, keeping it well compacted around the root. Tie the rootstock correctly with clips or elastic bands.

Pruning

Contain the volume of the foliage in cases of planting near buildings and roads. Prune for the part that exceeds the regular shape and excess leaf density, without exceeding.

Indiscriminate cutting of stems and branches by 'pruning' not only results in an alteration of the natural habitus of the plant, but also leads to a lower resistance to biotic and abiotic agents as well as a greater danger of decay of the entire specimen.

Propagation

Multiplication can be by grafting, layering, offshoots and cuttings.

Watering

After transplanting, assist the plant to allow it to develop its root system in the best possible way in the new site by keeping it at a constant humidity free of water stagnation and dryness. Afterwards, prevent water saturation conditions by supplying quantities with frequencies and doses also commensurate with the climatic trend during the different seasons. Drip-wing irrigation or manual watering is recommended.

Fertilising

When preparing the soil for transplanting, carry out a background fertilisation by uniformly burying organic or slow-release, balanced and specific chemical fertiliser. After the plant has settled properly in the new planting site, during the vegetative period fertilise without exceeding in dose and frequency.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

Prune the plants to form the crown evenly with radial distribution of the branches on the stem and limit the development in height. Maintain the compact and uniform shape of the foliage. Always do balanced watering and wetting without overdoing it.