Are there jacaranda trees in South Africa?
Jacarandas occupy a peculiar position in South Africa: they are well loved and noticeable trees but they are invasive aliens. Due to their status as invasive species, replanting of jacarandas is currently prohibited, although the species has certain urban areas in which restrictions are less strict.
How many jacaranda trees are there in Pretoria?
70,000 Jacaranda trees
Colourful bliss. Pretoria’s purple canopy also draws thousands of visitors to South Africa. Neliswa Nkani, hub head of South African Tourism (for Middle East, India and South East Asia), reveals that there are around 70,000 Jacaranda trees in Pretoria that are in full bloom over an eight-week period.
When were the jacarandas planted in Pretoria?
1888
Historical research shows that jacarandas were imported to South Africa round about 1830 and that the first ones were planted in Pretoria in 1888. They were first planted as street trees in the town during 1906, and only after 1911 this was done on a larger scale.
Where can you find jacaranda trees?
Native to Brazil and other regions of South America, jacaranda has become a popular ornamental tree in U.S. hardiness zones 10-12, and other tropical or semi-tropical regions. In cooler zones, potted jacaranda trees can even adorn porches or patios when taken indoors through the winter.
Are jacaranda trees invasive in South Africa?
Jacaranda trees were brought to South Africa in 1880 specifically for ornamental purposes. However, these trees are considered invasive with with parliament passing an act that declared 198 exotic species as ‘weed and invader’ plants, including the jacaranda.
Which city has the most jacaranda trees?
Johannesburg
The researchers describe how the cities in Gauteng host one of the world’s largest and most densely vegetated urban forests, with the City of Johannesburg alone recording more than 10-million trees. Pretoria is colloquially called the Jacaranda City, with an estimated 33 630 jacarandas.
What to know about South Africa’s Majestic jacaranda trees?
South Africa’s majestic Jacaranda trees bloom from late September to November, and are mostly seen in Pretoria and Johannesburg. According to many, the flowers have a magic power: some university students in South Africa believe that if a Jacaranda flower falls on your head during exam time, you’ll pass your exams!
What color are Jacaranda trees?
Jacaranda Tree. It has many species and the most common and popular is the blue jacaranda tree or Jacaranda mimosifolia. Because the foliage of this tree resembles that of the mimosa. It can grow from a height of 2 meters to 18 meters high. In autumn, the leaves of the jacaranda which look like feathers, turn yellow in color.
What is a jacaranda tree?
Jacaranda mimosifolia is a sub-tropical tree native to south-central South America that has been widely planted elsewhere because of its beautiful and long-lasting pale indigo flowers. It is also known as jacaranda, blue jacaranda, black poui, or as the fern tree.