Friday, October 4, 2013

Jacaranda Tree



Date: 4 October 2013

Common names: Jacaranda

SiSwati name: None

Scientific name: Jacaranda cuspidifolia
 
Family: Bignoniaceae

Distribution: Central America, Southern Brazil to Northern Argentina, Southeast Asia, West Indies

Flowering season: Spring (September to November)

Flowers: Showy blue or violet flowers

Leaves: Oppositely paired, compound leaves

Swazi medicinal uses: None

Swazi cultural significance: This is an expensive and beautiful tree, so homesteads that have it may appear wealthier. Appearance is a big thing here, so appearing wealthy is very important.

Photo information: I took these photos at a homestead close to mine in my village, which is on the border of Swaziland and Mozambique, near Siteki.

Source:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/298661/jacaranda#ref263021
http://www.rareflora.com/jacarandacus.html