At this time of year, as you stroll through the streets of Nairobi and other cities in Kenya, you may suddenly find yourself captivated by the sight of jacaranda trees blooming with soft lavender flowers. Their dreamy hues contrast beautifully with the blue sky, creating a scene that looks almost like a painting. In areas where they line the streets, the entire view is tinted purple, and the ground is covered with a carpet of petals — a truly magical sight.

Blooming Season and Ideal Climate

In Kenya, jacarandas begin to bloom all at once from late October to November each year. Just as if to announce the arrival of the short rainy season, their purple blossoms shine vividly under the dry skies and strong sunlight. Jacarandas thrive in warm climates with well-drained soil, and they grow particularly well in urban areas such as Nairobi, Nakuru, and Eldoret.

Origins and Global Spread

Jacarandas are not native to Kenya — their origins lie in South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina. From there, they have spread across the globe, now blooming beautifully in places like South Africa, Australia, and the southern United States. In fact, Pretoria in South Africa is famously known as “Jacaranda City,” where the entire town is adorned with these purple blooms.

Name Origins

The name “Jacaranda” is believed to come from the Guarani language, spoken by indigenous peoples of South America. It is said to mean “fragrant” or “strongly scented,” although the exact origin remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the name’s melodic sound and the flower’s graceful appearance have made it beloved around the world.

A Parallel to Japan’s Cherry Blossoms

Just like cherry blossoms in Japan, jacarandas in Kenya are flowers that mark the changing of seasons. While cherry blossoms herald the arrival of spring, jacarandas color the beginning of the rainy season, bringing small joys and moments of wonder to everyday life. For many Kenyans, jacarandas are seasonal symbols that brighten the streets and signal a shift in nature. In Nairobi especially, people often say, “The rainy season must be near,” when they see jacarandas in bloom.
Just as cherry blossoms soothe the hearts of people in Japan, jacarandas gently add color to Kenyan cities and quietly accompany people in their daily lives.

A Flower of Memories

I’m reminded of a Japanese expatriate friend who once said, “I wonder if I’ll get to see the jacarandas again next year.” That friend has since returned to Japan, but the beautiful lavender jacarandas remain a vivid and cherished memory of life in Kenya.

A Fun Little Extra

By the way, the doors of the Nairobi warehouse operated by the MOL Group are painted in a soft lavender color — inspired by the jacaranda flowers! (Just a little fun fact.)