Jakaranda
J. mimosifolia
Observed blooming in Eldoret, Kenya. January 2012.
TREE: A large tree at maturity with gray, scaly bark.
FLOWERS: Large, cluster of vivid puple-blue flowers. Like other members
of the family they are bilaterally symetrical with pollinator guides
in the throat.
LEAVES: Leaves are 20 to 35 cm long and finely, pinnately compound.
Their appearance is like leaves of some acacias.
RANGE: This tree, native to South America, has been planted widely due
to the attractive flowers and abundant shade.
FRUIT: An oblong, flattened, woody disc with a crinkled edge.
UNARMED. Without thorns.