Jacaranda mimosifolia

Native from Bolivia to northwestern Argentina, it is a subtropical tree widely cultivated for its blue-purple, trumpet-shaped flowers. Its twice-divided, fern-like leaves accompany terminal flower clusters, followed by flattened, woody capsules containing winged seeds. The dwarf cultivar ‘Sakai01’, sold as Bonsai Blue, was selected in Japan and is grown in smaller gardens and containers.

The species is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. In parts of South Africa and Queensland, Australia, however, introduced trees are invasive: dense seedling growth can exclude native vegetation, and escapes have established in woodlands, grasslands and near waterways. In cooler climates it is grown under glass, where flowering is uncommon. Photographed in Boquete, Panama.