I am looking to identify a tree we saw with very bright little purple flower, the flower itself covers the whole tree when in bloom and when not the leaves are a tad sparse. The nut is a really hard (I have seen them in potpourri) it opens when ripe letting the seeds dispense in the wind. The nut looks a little like a ducks beak when turned horizontal and is a dark colour. Sorry not to be more specific. We did have a nut, I looked to take a photo but can’t put my hands on it. The tree grows pretty tall though, the one we saw must have been 80 feet or so. If anyone can help it would be much appreciated, many thanks.
Thank you for your replys. It does seem to be a Jacaranda, we originally saw it in the canarys and hotter climates. Don't know if if would survive in the uk with frosts etc but some seeds we planted are growing.
Hi Charlie, I think that you will be very very lucky to keep it alive out of doors in UK (it comes from Bolivia etc). I think that frost will kill it. Likes plenty of sun. It will grow in a pot and I have seen it flower at a small size ~3m, so perhaps worth a try in a conservatory or greenhouse. Good Luck BrianO
Definitely not hardy outside of conservatories in the UK, which is a shame but true. Most Jacaranda species are from Brazil and lowland Bolivia, which are considerably warmer and moister than Hererfordshire.
Thank you for all of your advice and comments. Think I will bring the little tree's in then, shame about that.
