Jacaranda Tree in Saudi Arabia
The Jacaranda tree in Saudi Arabia (Jacaranda mimosifolia) is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Bignoniaceae. Originating from the tropical regions of South America, the genus comprises forty-five distinct species exhibiting varying sizes and heights. Throughout Saudi Arabia, the tree is intentionally cultivated in gardens, public squares, and streets for its ornamental value and capacity to provide shade. Cultivation is particularly prominent in Aseer Province, located in the southern part of the country, with the regional capital of Abha notably containing over fourteen thousand Jacaranda trees within the city limits alone.
Characteristics of the Jacaranda tree
Jacaranda flowers bloom in spring and drop about a month after they blossom. The leaves of the trees are green, pinnate, and arranged individually opposite each other. The leaves are alternately arranged on the stem, while its branches are arched like an inverted umbrella, making them lush trees.
The Jacaranda tree is influenced by the environment in which it is grown; its leaves drop in severely cold regions, while it remains green in temperate climates. It reproduces naturally during March and April, and blooms in May.
Significance of the Jacaranda tree
The Jacaranda tree is characterized by its rapid growth upon maturity, reaching a height of ten to twenty m. Its leaves have a feather-like shape and are light green. The flowers of the Jacaranda tree vary in color depending on the tree's type, with white and purple being the most common colors. As for the fruits of the Jacaranda tree, they typically range in height from one to three inches. They are brown, have a round, solid, and dry shape, and contain seeds inside. These fruits usually ripen and bear fruit at the end of the summer season.
The Jacaranda tree does not pose a danger to infrastructure, and it does not require a large amount of water. Its wood, known as green ebony, can be used in furniture making, and its flowers are used for medical purposes.
Care for Jacaranda trees
To grow jacaranda trees, it's best to plant their seeds in sandy or clay soil. These trees do not thrive in alkaline soil. They require moderate watering needs, which means they should be watered once a week in winter and twice a week in summer. Jacaranda trees cannot tolerate high levels of salinity and can grow in shaded areas. To maintain a healthy tree, it's recommended to prune its branches to be less than half the diameter of the trunk, which helps increase its thickness.
Planting of Jacaranda trees
Jacaranda trees are planted in moderate-temperature regions, especially in the southern parts of Saudi Arabia. The seeds are first planted in nurseries until the seedlings reach a height of around one meter after one year of planting. Afterward, they are transferred to gardens and public squares.