(Now that’s it’s summer down here and winter up there (sorry, everyone!), this post isn’t that relevant. You’ll just have to humor me.)
When you live abroad in a region that doesn’t experience autumn and then move to the southern hemisphere just before spring, you come to dread the fall. It’s not easy seeing everyone else experiencing your favorite season. Pumpkin patches, apple picking, falling leaves… it’s so hard to watch from a distance. I’ve now missed four autumn seasons in a row and lamented every one.
This time, however, I had a little something to help me combat everyone’s gorgeous photos of fall foliage: spring flowers.
I first noticed the purple flowers of the Jacaranda trees in mid November. It seemed like everywhere we went these purple trees were cheering up the neighborhoods. Mike’s friends in Manly had a giant one in their backyard. I really love the purple color. I feel like it’s a somewhat unique color to see such a cool shade of purple in nature.
Jacaranda trees are native to Central and South America and have been introduced to parts of Asia, Africa, North America, and Australia.
Next, I was equally delighted when the Flame Trees began to bloom. It might be obvious where their name comes from but here’s an interesting fact: The tree drops its leaves after the dry season leaving the branches covered in only the bright bell shaped flowers. It’s an intense color experience!
Flame Trees are native to the east coast of Australia but are now grown worldwide. The little fruit pods, called follicles, were traditionally eaten by Aborigines. Beautiful and useful!
Frequently, these two varieties of trees are planted next to each other because they bloom at nearly the same time. The contrast of the two colors is truly striking. It’s just a shame that the flowering season is so short-lived. I always want flowers to stick around just a little longer.
Speak Your Mind