How to identify Jacaranda copaia (Jacaranda copaia)

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How to identify Jacaranda copaia (Jacaranda copaia)

Jacaranda copaia is distinguished by its impressive height, reaching over 100 feet (30 meters) and boasting a diameter of up to 30 inches (76 cm). The trunk is characteristically branch-free for the first 50 feet (15 meters) or so, maturing into a signature vase-shaped crown dense with foliage. It is most recognizable by its lavish purple-blue flowers blooming in late summer to early fall, which create a vibrant floral carpet when shed. Its unique foliage emerges directly from the top of its trunk in its youth, resembling tree ferns.

Lifespan: Perennial

Quickly Identify Jacaranda copaia

Majestic height of over 100 feet (30 meters) with a trunk diameter up to 30 inches (76 cm).

Lavish purple-blue flowers in late summer to early fall, creating a vibrant floral carpet.

Distinctive fern-like bipinnately compound leaves with toothed leaflets, reaching up to 39 inches (99 cm).

Striking purple tubular flowers with bell-shaped corolla approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.

Rugged trunk with dark gray bark, fine fissures, and intricate patterns unique to the species.

Detailed Traits of Jacaranda copaia

Leaf Features

The leaves of jacaranda copaia are bipinnately compound, dividing twice to create a fern-like appearance. The small, pointed leaflets are toothed along their edges. Juvenile trees exhibit longer leaves, reaching up to 39 inches (99 cm), while adult trees have shorter leaves. The leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem, contributing to the distinctive look. They display a moderate green color with a slightly rough texture and a prominent vein pattern.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Jacaranda copaia flowers are a striking purple, covering the entire crown in an abundant display. Each flower is tubular, measuring about 2 inches (5 cm) in length. Petals are fused, forming a bell-shaped corolla with a diameter of approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm). The petals are slightly curved and have a delicate, velvety texture. They emit a subtle, sweet fragrance, especially noticeable in the morning. Blooming period peaks during the spring and early summer months.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of jacaranda copaia manifests as distinctive round and flat structures, resembling dry disks roughly 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter. On reaching maturity, these fruits exhibit a splitting behavior, where they spontaneously break open along built-in lines of weakness. The divided sections liberate an array of tiny, winged seeds, adapted for dispersal by the wind. The texture and form are typically consistent and serve as a vital identification characteristic, presenting a standardized appearance among specimens within the species.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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