Jacaranda mimosifolia

Native from Bolivia to northwestern Argentina, it is a subtropical tree widely cultivated for its blue-purple, trumpet-shaped flowers. It has twice-divided, fern-like leaves. Terminal flower clusters attract bees and are 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 in Queensland and New South Wales, 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.