© Karen Andrews
Christmas is traditionally a time when we send seasonal greetings to friends and family who live far away. At this time of year, Australian Facebook friends speak of sunshine and barbecues on the beach. Meanwhile, we huddle indoors hiding from the dark nights, winds, rain, frost, ice and sometimes even snow. The Blue Jacaranda has become associated with Christmas in Australia even though it is not native species.
My own photos of its stunning flowers were taken in against an azure sky and the brilliant colours of Bougainvillea in Corfu Town in early June 2017. It is good to look back at holiday snaps of warmer climes at this time of year, isn’t it?
Bignoniaceae
Blue Jacaranda, Jacaranda mimosifolia, is a member of the Bignoniaceae or Trumpetvine family. Bignoniaceae and the genus Bignonia are named after the French priest Abbé Jean-Paul Bignon (1662-1743). He was a statesman and librarian for King Louis XIV of France. He owes this commemoration to his pupil, Joseph Pitton de Tournefort (1656-1708), who is the French botanist accredited with the first clear definition of a plant genus.
Blue Jacaranda
Blue Jacaranda may be native to South America, but it has spread into cultivation across the world. It is listed on the IUCN Red list as a vulnerable species. The trees are especially popular in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia where the ground gets covered in the purple rain of its flowers.
Austrialian Song
The Jacaranda’s popularity has even entered Australian Christmas folklore in a song:
Christmas where the gum trees grow
(Val Donlon / Lesley Sabogal) (poem)
(Source: International Lyrics Playground)
Christmas where the gum trees grow There is no frost and there is no snow Christmas in Australia's hot Cold and frosty is what it's not When the bloom of the Jackaranda tree is here Christmas time is near From England came our Christmas fare They even said what Santa should wear But here down under for summer's cool Santa should dip in a swimming pool Christmas where the gum trees grow There is no frost and there is no snow Christmas in Australia's hot Cold and frosty is what it's not When the bloom of the Jackaranda tree is here Christmas time is near Santa rides in a sleigh on snow But down here where the gum trees grow Santa should wear some water skis And glide around Australia with ease Christmas where the gum trees grow There is no frost and there is no snow Christmas in Australia's hot Cold and frosty is what it's not When the bloom of the Jackaranda tree is here Christmas time is near To ride around the bush where it's dry To cart all the presents piled so high A red-nosed reindeer would never do Santa should jump on a kangaroo Christmas where the gum trees grow There is no frost and there is no snow Christmas in Australia's hot Cold and frosty is what it's not When the bloom of the Jackaranda tree is here Christmas time is near
Australian YouTube Links
The Jacaranda Trees are Blooming
Christmas Where The Gum Trees Grow
© Karen Andrews
References and Further Reading
- Christenhusz, Maarten J. M. & Fay, Michael F. & Chase, Mark W. (2017): Plants of the World. An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Vascular Plants. Kew. Chicago.
- Eloise (?) (2017): Where to see Jacaranda Trees in Brisbane: the best places revealed. Myfavouriteescapes.com. 22 October 2017.
- Encyclopedia Britannica (2019): Joseph Pitton de Tournefort.
- Prado, D. (1998): Jacaranda mimosifolia . The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 1998: e.T32027A9675619.
- Simpson, Michael G. (2010): Plant Systematics. Second Edition. Academic Press. Elsevier. Burlington. MA. U.S.A.
Copyright Note
Karen does not seek or receive any commercial interest or advantage from this blog. She is not promoting any business venture. She simply loves to share fascinating facts about plants. These pages illustrate her love of plants, botany, biodiversity, gardens and creative expression. There is always so much to learn about plant diversity. This blog is designed as a showcase for photography, commentary on plants and wildlife, gardens and other places visited, horticulture and related topics. Viewpoints are her own, not those of her employer.
© Karen Andrews 2018 onwards. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Karen Andrews and BotanyKaren.net with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.