SPRINGTIME IN MEXICO CITY

If you’re lucky enough to be walking the streets of Mexico City these spring days, take a minute to look up and watch the trees above you. Scattered here and there you´ll find a beautiful blueish purple color given by the flowers of a tree called Jacaranda.

Jacarandas in spring time, Mexico City — Lovely colors in a Jacaranda tree

Jacaranda tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia) is native of warm regions of South America. It was originally introduced to Mexico in the 1920’s from Brazil by Tatsugoro Matsumoto, a japanese botanist living in Mexico since 1896, but who had visited the country many times before.

Back then, the Mexican government wanted to plant cherry trees to embellish the main streets of the capital, so they asked Japan to donate them as a symbol of friendship between their countries. The japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs commissioned Matsumoto to determine whether the tree would adapt and thrive in the mexican climate.

He came to the conclusion that seasonal changes weren’t as abrupt as needed for the cherry flowers to bloom; instead he proposed the Jacaranda tree as perfect for Mexico’s climate conditions and lack of rain during springtime.

His idea was brilliant and nowadays Jacaranda is considered a native flower for Mexico.

Jacaranda sunset Mexico City — Jacaranda’s colors during sunset

March and April are the months in which you can enjoy the pyramid-shaped clusters of blue or lavender flowers that make the streets a delight to behold. Just be careful not to step on the fallen flowers because they´re quite slippery!

So, if you’re in Mexico City go out now and enjoy these amazing gifts Tatsugoro Matsumoto gave our country. If you’re not… what are you waiting for? Mexico City is a splendid place and Jacarandas are just a tiny part of the beauty it offers.