Jacaranda Mimosifolia Seeds

Jacaranda mimosifolia Seeds

Jacaranda mimosifolia produces numerous prolific seeds that germinate readily. Jacaranda mimosifolia and Jacaranda acutifolia are synonyms. Common name of it is Blue Jacaranda, black jacaranda,  or fern tree. It grows almost in every part of the world, where frost is not much. Its mature trees can tolerate smaller spells of cold down to -7 degree centigrade.

This tree is native to South Central America. It is known for its attractive and long lasting pale indigo flowers. Commonly it is called as jacaranda, black jacaranda, blue jacaranda or fern tree. There are some synonyms of Jacaranda mimosifolia including, Jacaranda chelonia, Jacaranda ovalifolia and Jacaranda acutifolia. It has been cultivated almost in every part of the world.

Jacaranda mimosifolia Overview

Jacaranda mimosifolia tree reaches a height of 20 m. Its bark is thin, grey brown in colour and smooth when young but becomes finely scaly with time. The leaves are large, and bi-pinnately compound with leaflets more than 1 cm long. The flowers occurs in groups and up to 5 cm in long. Their flowers lasts for two months and appears in spring and summer. They are followed by fruits or pods which are woody and about 5 cm in diameter. Each pod contains several flat and winged seeds. The seeds generally disperse through winds.

Jacaranda mimosifolia purpulish flowers blooms at the late spring and early summer in South-east Queensland in Brisbane. Their blooming refers for students to focus on their studies for their final exams.  The plant is found in abundance at University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus in Brisbane. Hence, when they start blooming, it indicates that the exams re coming soon. Therefore, it is also known as the exam tree. According to a myth at University of Pretoria, if a flower from Jacaranda mimosifolia drops on the student’s head, the student will pass all their exams.

Cultivars of Jacaranda mimosifolia

There are two noticeable varieties of Jacaranda mimosifolia

1. Jacaranda mimosifolia alba: It is also called “White Christmas Jacaranda Tree”. It can grow about 40 ft. tall. It comprises white flowers and lusher foliage than the other species of Jacaranda.
2. Jacaranda mimosifolia ‘Bonsai Blue’: It is a true dwarf cultivar and comprises purplish blue flowers. It reaches up to 10-12 ft. tall and grows in USDA hardiness zone 9 to 11.

Propagation of Jacaranda mimosifolia through Seeds

Jacaranda mimosifolia can be easily propagated through seeds. The tree produces fertile seeds. The seeds remains viable for at least 12 months if contain in open storage at room temperature.

Jacaranda mimosifolia Seeds Germination

Jacaranda mimosifolia seeds are soak in water for 24 hours before sowing. As they swells up, they are sown into soil mixture. The germination of seeds take 10-12 days and continues for 2 months. The rate of germination is observe within 50-92%. The seedlings are kept in shade until they become well rooted. After 8 to 10 months, plants are transplanted to the fields.

How to care for Jacaranda mimosifolia Seedlings

Naturally Jacaranda mimosifolia grows at elevations from 500-2400 m. The plant grows at an annual temperature within the range of 20-34˚C. The seedlings prefers well-drained soil. They are intolerant of frost. They need a pH of soil in range of 6-7.5. Watering should be provided when the top soil become dried. They need additional water in the months of excessive dry weather or high heat. They need a compatible fertilizer when grow up. However, Jacaranda mimosifolia is not good for long time container plant. It should be planted eventually outdoors for better flowering.