Jacarandas are in full Bloom

The Jacaranda Trees are in full bloom right now in parts of Mexico.  They certainly were when I was in Oaxaca a week ago.  It bears masses of vibrant purple-blue flowers and is a popular street tree in warmer climates.  The Jacaranda was a gift from a Japanese immigrant, Tatsugoro Matsumoto, and is a symbol of international friendship.

Matsumoto was an imperial gardener from Tokyo who came to Mexico in 1896.  He first settled in Peru as an invitation of the government where he was commissioned to design several gardens for the country.  After a few years, the government of Japan asked him to come to Mexico.

The "Colonia Roma" was one of the most elegant neighborhoods in Mexico City at the time and he began designing and maintaining gardens for many of the residents.  After gaining an impeccable reputation, President Porfirio Diaz asked him to oversee the floral arrangements for the presidential palace and the expansive grounds surrounding the Chapultepec Castle. 

In 1920, President Alvaro Obregon commissioned Matsumoto to plant Jacaranda trees (originally from Brazil) in the main avenues of Mexico City.  And today, they have become a landmark to many cities and villages across Mexico.  

Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City.  Pretty spectacular!
 

Matsumoto fell so in love with Mexico City and its colonial architecture, he returned to Japan once his contract was over to collect his wife and bring her back to the city where they lived the rest of their lives.  He died in 1955 at the age of 95.