Jacaranda season in Pretoria

What it is

Pretoria is known as the Jacaranda City. The tree comes from South America and was planted along the city's streets from the late nineteenth century. There are now tens of thousands. In October they flower before the leaves return, and for a few weeks whole suburbs sit under a mauve canopy, with fallen blossom covering the pavements. The older suburbs near the Union Buildings have the best avenues, and Groenkloof has a street of rare white-flowered trees. Students say that if a blossom falls on your head you will pass your exams. The tree is now classed as an alien species, so old trees stay but new planting is restricted.

Before you go

• Mid October is usually the peak. Rain brings the blossom down quickly.
• View the city from the Union Buildings gardens or from Klapperkop hill.
• Walk or drive the residential avenues in the morning.

The flowers you will see

Also part of it, and being written: Jacaranda mimosifolia, Jacaranda.

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