The Jacaranda also brightens late spring here in Australia too. I heard they where brought to South Africa from here in the late 1800's. I understand the Jacaranda originally comes from South America.
We call then exam trees or study trees as they flower in time to remind the uni students to start studying for their finals.
Hi @stephen-somers. We have it that they came from Brazil, but honestly, I'm just glad we have them and that I get to see them. Our students believe that if you study for your final exam and a Jacaranda flower falls on your shoulder, that you’ll pass your finals. (Not that there will be any studying this year - but that’s a whole other ugly post altogether)