What To Know About South Africa's Majestic Jacaranda Trees

Each year, from late September to November, Jacaranda trees go into bloom in South Africa. These beautiful trees are especially abundant in Pretoria and Johannesburg, draping the cities in a magnificent display of colour. Here are some facts about the South African Jacaranda trees you probably didn’t know.

Jacaranda mimosifolia is not indigenous to South Africa, so how did they become so synonymous with the country?

Jacarandas line a suburban street in Pretoria

Each year Jacarandas pop up all over Pretoria and Johannesburg

The first Jacaranda trees

In Pretoria’s Celliers Street lies a plaque commemorating the first two Jacaranda trees planted in the city by JD Celliers in 1888. The saplings were imported from Brazil and, although native to Central and South America, have become part of the city’s culture. A popular local radio station is named after the trees and Pretoria is endearingly referred to as the Jacaranda City. See the plaque at Myrtle Lodge in Sunnyside, now part of Sunnyside Primary School.
Sunnyside Primary School, 146 Celliers St, Sunnyside, Pretoria 0002, South Africa

Jacaranda trees in Pretoria with the Union Buildings in the background

According to a 1945 issue of The Star newspaper, Johannesburg’s first Jacaranda tree was planted in Doornfontein. The same article claims that a William Nelson, owner of Nelsonia Nurseries, grew 30 million trees, shrubs and plants by 1896, many of which were Jacaranda trees. Nelson is also said to have planted over 100km (62 miles) of trees along the streets of the Johannesburg suburb now known as Kensington.

Kensington, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa

The Westcliff Hotel in Johannesburg is the ideal place to soak in the beauty of the Jacarandas

About the flowers

The word ‘Jacaranda’ is believed to mean ‘fragrant’ in a native South American dialect, and the trees are known for their purple blossoms. Having said this, some species boast beautiful white petals, although they’re much rarer in South Africa. Find these white wonders in Herbert Baker street in Groenkloof, Pretoria.

Herbert Baker Street, Groenkloof, Pretoria, 0027 South Africa

The flowers also have an air of magic around them. South Africa’s university students believe that if a Jacaranda flower falls on your head during exam time, you’ll pass all your subjects!

Fallen petals create a carpet of purple in South Africa’s largest cities

Jacarandas were declared a threat in 2001

In 2001, the iconic trees were declared a ‘category three invader’, as they replace and compete with indigenous species. Although new trees can’t be planted, the established Jacarandas have stood their ground (quite literally) and will continue to brace the country with their colourful petals.