Jacaranda, a South American beauty that adds to Da Lat’s charm

Jacaranda flowers usually bloom in March-April, accentuating the beauty of Da Lat, the town of romance and flowers in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong.

The species is native to South America. The first ever trees were planted by the late engineer Luong Van Sau. He was one of the first agricultural engineers in Vietnam to be trained in floriculture. He graduated from an agricultural school in France.

In 1962 Sau brought purple jacaranda seeds from France to Da Lat and planted them as an experiment. After that the plants were successfully propagated by other scientists and planted on the streets of Da Lat.

Jacaranda trees have large trunks, grow to 10-15 m height and 5-7 m at the top. Their flowers grow in clusters, their soft petals fluttering gently in every passing puff of wind.

Streets embellished with the purple flowers have become a Da Lat icon, and include Tran Phu (pictured), Hai Ba Trung and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai.

Tourist attractions such as Da Lat Market (pictured), Truc Lam Monastery and Love Valley are also adorned by their beauty.

Jacaranda flowers on the shore of Xuan Huong Lake. Locals think the trees grow well and have these stunning flowers because the climate and soil suit them.

For nearly 60 years these flowers have added beauty to Tran Phu Street. Now when they flower Da Lat not only attracts tourists but also photographers.

"I am enraptured by the beauty of jacaranda," Khanh Phan, a photographer based in Ho Chi Minh City, gushes.

"The flowers float free in the wind and are extraordinarily beautiful early in the morning, noon or even sunset."

The flowers can also be seen in the suburbs and some school yards in Lam Dong Province.

Photos by Khanh Phan, Hugo Tran Quang Anh