Jacaranda -A fragrant blue cloud-

Botanical name: Jacaranda caucana (Bignoniaceae)

THE CHARMING BEAUTY OF THE JUNGLE

When you come across a fragrant blue cloud on a jungle path, you have found a blooming Jacaranda. The touching, stunning, blue and purple flower crown against the jungle green is a wonderful experience for the eyes and mind. The word jacaranda comes from the South American Indian tribe Tupi-Guarani language, meaning “strong scent”.

The numerous varieties of Jacaranda come from Tropical America but have deservedly spread all over the world because of their beauty. Jacaranda is a relative to the flower tree family of the other jungle maidens- the Guayacan and the Rosy trumpet tree. Lovely Jacaranda can grow 20 m (65 ft) tall and achieve an 50 cm (1.6 ft) trunk diameter. The wood of Jacaranda is light-colored and easy to work with. Jacaranda is not grown because of its wood, but it is used to make furniture and ornaments.

THE FLOWERS AND THE FRUITS – BLUE FAIRYTALE WITH TINY ANGELS

Jacaranda blooms between February and March, shedding its leaves for the period of blooming. Hypnotizing bluish-purple, trumpet-like flowers create the magical image of the tree. As the rainy season starts between April and May, it’s time for Jacaranda to dress up again in light green. The fruits are flat, green and oval with a length of 5-10 cm (2-4 inch), turning dark brown when ripe. The fruits contain flat seeds with fragile wings. When ready, the seeds diverge into the air like thousands of tiny angels, dancing in the wind.

THE ODOROUS TREE GIVES TENDER TREATMENT WITH CLEANSING, CALMING AND BEAUTIFYING EFFECT

Having antiseptic and antibiotic qualities, Jacaranda gives out some secret natural medical gifts, too. The tree is used to treat hepatitis and in folk tradition the flowers, leaves and bark are used to ease neuralgia and varicose veins. It is scientifically proven that Jacaranda has qualities that treat leukemia. Hot Jacaranda leaf baths treat wounds and skin infections and the tree also helps in the treatment of acne.