African pink jacaranda (Jesse Durko, courtesy )
This monthly feature spotlights a plant well-suited for South Florida gardens.
Stereospermum kunthianum, the African pink jacaranda, produces lots of pink trumpet-shaped blooms from February to April. The bright blooms cover the tree particularly heavily after extended drought periods. They are carried in large pendulous panicles and appear before the new foliage emerges. Individual blooms are 1 1/4 to 2 inches wide and 1 1/4 inches long. The lower corolla lip is streaked with red markings, standing out against the overall pink coloration.
The foliage is pinnate with an average of four pairs of leaflets and terminal leaflet. The overall leaf averages 10 inches in length with leaflets about 3 1/4 inches long and 1 1/4 inches wide. Leaves are green above and yellow-green below with prominent veins.
The pink jacaranda varies considerably in size depending on where it grows. Trees growing in moist locations can attain 40 feet in height, whereas trees in very dry rocky areas may only reach 10-15 feet. The dark gray bark sometimes peels like a sycamore, which is ornamental. Sandy well-drained soil and sun are preferred for best growth.
Sources: Jesse Durko's Nursery, 5151 SW 70th Ave. (Viele Road), Davie, 954-792-2297; Wonder Gardens at Sears, University Drive and Broward Boulevard, Plantation, 954-7370-2872; Dynaserv Nursery, 990 S. Flamingo Road, Davie, 954-472-4422; Delray Garden Center, 3827 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, 561-243-6869.
African pink jacaranda
Scientific name: Stereospermum kunthianum
Origin: Mozambique, Zimbabwe
Growth rate: moderate
Nutritional requirements: low
Soil requirements: sandy, well-drained
Salt tolerance: Low-medium
Drought tolerance: high
Light requirements: full sun
Pest problems: none so far