Jacaranda
Jacaranda mimosifolia
NEMBA category
English: Jacaranda, Blue Jacaranda, Blue Brazilian, Blue Jacaranda, Brazilian Rosewood, Fern Tree
Afrikaans: Jakaranda
Controversial. but yes, the Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) is considered an invasive alien plant in parts of South Africa. It can out-compete native species, form dense seedling thickets, and reduce biodiversity. Known for its high water consumption, dense stands along watercourses can significantly lower stream flow.
Renowned for its stunning purple-blue spring blooms, Jacarandas create iconic urban landscapes, particularly in Pretoria, the "Jacaranda City." However, under NEMBA regulations, it is classified as a Category 3 invasive species. This means existing trees can remain, but new planting or trade is prohibited without special permission, especially in urban areas.
Jacarandas spread prolifically via wind-dispersed seeds, forming dense stands that compete with native vegetation, particularly in riparian zones, savannas, and urban spaces. Despite their invasive nature, many mature Jacarandas are protected in cities due to their cultural, historical, and aesthetic value.
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Origins: South America (Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia)
Overall Appearance: A medium-sized to large deciduous tree with a spreading, rounded crown reaching 15-20 meters tall.
Leaves: Bi-pinnately compound leaves, resembling fern leaves. Each leaf consists of numerous small, oval-shaped leaflets. Light green in color.
Flowers: Showy, trumpet-shaped flowers, typically lavender-blue to purple, but also come in white. Flowers are borne in large, terminal panicles in spring and early summer.
Fruits: Flat, woody, circular seed pods. Each pod contains numerous, flat, winged seeds.
Seeds: Flattened, winged seeds easily dispersed by wind.
Bark: Smooth, grey-brown bark when young. Becomes rougher and darker grey-brown with age.
Wood: Pale grey to whitish, hard, and moderately heavy.
Soil Type: Prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of soil types.
Aspect: Full sun to partial shade.
Provinces Affected: Widespread in South Africa, particularly in urban areas and along roadsides.
Invasive Status:
This tree has a complicated NEMBA status due to its cultural importance.
Listed as category 1b in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North-West but not listed for urban areas in these provinces.
Not listed within 50 metres of the main house on a farm in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North-West.
Not listed for trees with a diameter of more than 40cm at 1m height, provided such trees are located outside riparian areas.
Not listed elsewhere.
Note:
While a popular ornamental tree, Jacaranda can be invasive in some areas, forming dense stands and competing with native vegetation.
Its deep roots can damage infrastructure, and fallen flowers can create slippery conditions on pavements.
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