Jacaranda mimosifolia is a sub-tropical tree native to south-central South America that has been widely planted elsewhere because of its beautiful and long-lasting blue flowers. A popular tree widely grown as an ornamental throughout the high and lowland tropics. It grows in most soils except water logged ones, and is deep rooted. It prefers highland areas but can also grow in some drier ones. It is common in most towns of Uganda, particularly Fort Portal, 1,100-1,600 m. In Kampala, Jacaranda can be found within Uganda Golf course club, National housing & medical quarters, at Parliamentary avenue, Sir Apollo Kaggwa road among other places.

A deciduous tree up to 20 m with spreading branches making alight crown. The bole is almost always short and malformed; it can be up to 40 - 50cm in diameter.

BARK: Pale grey and smooth, rough and peeling with age.

LEAVES: Bi-pinnate and feathery on a stalk to 40 cm, up to 30 pairs of pinnae bearing the little pointed leaflets.

FLOWERS: Striking blue-violet in clusters, each flower bell shaped to 4 cm, usually on the bare tree before leaf growth.

FRUIT: Rounded, woody capsules to 7 cm across with a wavyedge, brown-black when mature, splitting on the tree to set freemany light winged seeds. Capsules may hang on the tree for 2years.

An ornamental (avenue) tree.

Medicine: bark, roots and the leaves. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php id=Jacaranda+mimosifolia

Agroforestry: the tree creates pleasant open shade and can be used effectively as a screen or as a windbreak.

Provides timber used for carpentryand making small items such as tool handles and carvings.

Provides poles.

Provides firewood and charcoal.