![]() We then explored the climatic drivers of this advance, by comparing the flowering dates to meteorological data from across Gauteng. The records confirmed the advance in flowering dates, and from these we quantified a mean rate of advance of 2.1 days per decade. ![]() This record allowed us the chance to contribute to the global attempts at recording phenological shifts. We mined these sources to compile a list of flowering dates of jacaranda trees spanning 1927-2019. There is very little phenological data for South Africa, and so very little phenological research has been conducted compared to the work in countries across Europe, Asia and North America.īecause jacaranda blossoms result in such a dramatic change in the urban landscape each year, they are often reported on in the news and, more recently, in social media posts. Phenological shifts are species and location specific – in some areas, and for some species, events are even being delayed as a result of specific climate drivers. We explored this change in the timing of jacaranda blossom in our paper published in the Journal of Urban Forestry and Urban Greening. Phenological analyses show that current cherry blossoming is occurring earlier than any time in the last 1,200 years. Not only are the cherry blossoms a key tourist attraction, and the cherry festivals important cultural events, but this also represents the world’s longest phenological record. The most notable example is the Japanese cherry blossoms. This is referred to as a phenological shift, and is being observed across a range of species globally as a result of climate change. Gradually over the decades, the date of bloom has advanced through October to the early weeks of September. In the 1920s and 1930s, the trees only started to bloom in mid-November. Octogenarian residents who have lived in Gauteng their whole life might remember that jacarandas did not always flower in September. Jacarandas were introduced to Pretoria and later Johannesburg in the early 1800s, specifically as ornamentals to line the streets of the suburbs and central business districts. Johannesburg alone is recorded to have over 10 million trees. The cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria are well covered with trees – and jacarandas ( Jacaranda mimosifolia), with their purple blooms in late spring, are a prominent part of this urban forest.Ībout 16% of the land in the Gauteng City Region is planted with trees, forming one of the world’s largest and most densely vegetated man-made urban forests. In September each year, South Africa’s Gauteng province turns purple. Those who don’t relish their features recognize the rubbery petals that wreak havoc are about to dry up once the blooming season is over.įor the time being, like them or not, the neon purple Jacaranda will continue to thrive along South Pasadena streets.Jacarandas in parts of South Africa are flowering earlier: why it’s a warning signĬlimate change is causing jacarandas to flower earlier. So, are you in favor or disfavor of the Jacaranda?įor those in favor, savor the opportunity to view them, as the lavender blossoms will soon be gone. The Jacaranda is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central America, Mexico, South America, Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and in Asia, especially in Nepal. PHOTO: Bill Glazier | News | Jacarandas blossoming along Fremont Avenue In 1972, Glendale declared them their official tree and they’re a pleasant sight at Central Library in downtown Los Angeles after the City of Costa Mesa sold 11 of them. Fullerton once hold a Jacaranda Festival, which drew large crowds. Yet, that can’t take away from their splendor and beauty. While South Pasadena fashions itself as a City of Trees, some are all in favor if this particular species weren’t among them. ![]() Others shake fists after they leave a mess on sidewalks and in yards and patios they say is impossible to clean. However, there’s a love-hate relationship with them, with many residents crying foul when the leaves fall, leaving a sticky substance on cars below. ![]()
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