Flower of the Day – Pretty in Pink


As far as I can tell, there is only one Pink Jacaranda (Stereospermum kunthianum) in the park.

Pink Jacaranda (Stereospermum kunthianum)

Each spring I keep a look out for it tucked away – inconspicuously for most of the rest of the year – in a small dip just as you enter through the east gate.

It hasn’t grown much over the years – I suspect it’s a favourite elephant snack – and it’s easy to miss.

CMR Blisterbeetle (Hycleus spp). Seems it’s not just elephants who love the sweet, juicy flowers. These little guys may look pretty, but touch them at your peril!

The Pink Jacaranda is not just a pretty face. According to Wikipedia it is traditionally used for a number of medical ailments, including pharyngeal affections, leprosy, subcutaneous parasitic infections and other skin afflictions, venereal diseases, diarrhoea, dysentery, and as antiemetics. However, WebMD cautions that there is no real evidence to support any claims of its efficacy for these condidtions.

Cee’s POTD – July 9