Common Name: Jacaranda

General Information

Jacaranda mimosifolia is a deciduous tree with spreading branches making a light crown; it can grow 10 - 20 metres tall[]. The bole is almost always short and malformed, it can be up to 40 - 50cm in diameter[].
The plant is gathered from the wild for local use as a medicine, fuel and source of timber. It has been introduced as an ornamental in most parts of the tropics, though in many tropical climates, especially at lower elevations, its flowering is light, irregular and disappointing[].
Although widely grown in cultivation, in the wild the species is reported to be endemic to the endangered piedmont forest of north-west Argentina and Bolivia. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - northwest Argentina, southern Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia

Habitat

Bushland, grassland, wooded ravines and riverbanks; at elevations from 500 - 2,800 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees, Birds
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the moist tropics and subtropics, where it is found at elevations from 500 - 2,400 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 20 - 34°c, but can tolerate 10 - 38°c[]. Young growth is intolerant of frost, but older trees can sometimes withstand occasional short-lived lows to -5°c[, , ]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 800 - 1,400mm, but tolerates 650 - 1,800mm[].
Prefers a sunny position[]. Grows best on well-drained sandy loam soils, although it will also survive on poor shallow soils[]. It does not tolerate waterlogged or clay soils[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6.5 - 7.5, tolerating 6 - 8.5[]. Tolerates salt-laden winds[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
Often grown as an ornamental in the tropics and subtropics, the plant can escape from cultivation by means of its wind-dispersed seed and become naturalized. The spreading growth habit and the dense foliage shade out native plants and prevent their regeneration[].
A fast growing tree that resprouts easily if damaged[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark and roots are used in the treatment of syphilis[, ]. Considered very effective, it used to be commonly used by herbalists in Brazil[].

The leaves are used as a vulnerary[].

The seeds and leaves are used to treat different hepatic, skin and blood diseases[]

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree creates pleasant open shade and can be used effectively as a screen or as a windbreak[, ].
A deep-rooted, greedy feeder that also has a considerable leaf fall. Few plants or crops can grow successfully below it; therefore it is best planted away from flowerbeds and food crops[].

Other Uses

An extract of the flowers is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an antioxidant, hair conditioner and skin conditioner[].

The sapwood is yellowish-white with a small quantity of dark brown heartwood. The texture is fine. The wood is compact, hard, moderately heavy, very durable but fragile. It is easy to work but not considered of much value. It is sometimes used for carpentry, lathework etc[, , ]. Wood is light brown and soft[]. It is used for poles and for making small items such as tool handles and carvings[].
Provides a useful firewood[].

Propagation

Seed - no pre-treatment is required[]. The seed should be sown fresh for best germination results - fresh seed soaked in water for 24 hours takes 10 - 12 days for germination, which continues for up to 2 months[]. Germination rate is 50 - 92%[]. Planting should be from container stock during cool weather; 8 - 10 months should elapse before plants can be transplanted to the field[].
The tree is a prolific seeder. Viability is maintained for at least 12 months in open storage at room temperature[].
Cuttings of semi-ripe wood with a heel, rooted in sand[]. Keep shaded until well rooted[].
The plants can be raised from branch cuttings.

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