Jacaranda trees
Flowering trees in LA County
While coming in for a landing, I noticed streets lined with purple trees. Light purple, a soft Lilac color. These trees immediately piqued my interest. As soon as I turned off airplane mode, I researched by Googling, “purple trees in southern California.” I found out that they are called Jacaranda trees. The scientific name is Jacaranda mimosifolia, and it is native to South America, especially in countries like Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Its etymology comes from the Guaraní language. They typically bloom in late spring, around May and June.
Upon my arrival at Union Station, I noticed that blooming Jacaranda trees are everywhere. For once, the bus stops next to Union Station smell soft and gentle instead of making me want to retch. Apparently, 'jacaranda' means "fragrant" or "good-smelling.” I wander the streets outside the station, looking to get close enough to a tree to examine the flowers. I notice that alongside E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., there are multiple trees, and I walk over to them. There is a carpet of purple flowers on the ground, making me feel like royalty as I step on them.
The flowers themselves cluster in bunches. They have a tubular shape. The pictures you see of them tend to lessen the vibrant petal hue, which is so lovely in person. The Jacaranda is attractive not only for its appearance but also for how long the flowers can last, seemingly for weeks.
While this particular week has been an intense time to be in LA, these trees have highlighted a particular beauty that downtown LA has to offer. A beauty where something not native can be planted, thrive, and make this city a better place to live.
Things I learned
May and June are a good time to see purple flowers in trees in Los Angeles
The trees are called Jacaranda trees
In the Amazon, this tree is linked to the Moon goddess
