Angels and most of the south California it is currently covered in lightweight purple Jacaranda flowers treeAND car lovers know to keep cars away from these flowers like the plague, but I just found out it’s not the tree’s fault. Jacaranda trees are not native Southern Californiathey actually come from Argentina and Brazil, but they thrive there California Mediterranean climate.
At the turn of the 20th century, San Diego nursery owner and plant lover Kate Sessions was widely credited with introducing Jacaranda into cultivation. California, along with other now common plants such as birds of paradise, poinsettia, and bougainvillea. Those pretty purple petals play a large role in the life of trees in SoCal, and car enthusiasts know that parking under a Jacaranda is a death sentence for a pristine car’s paint. As it turns out, the Jacaranda’s devastating reputation isn’t the factory’s fault at all, it can be attributed to aphid waste. The Los Angeles Times reported
“I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but this sticky substance is not nectar or juice. This is aphid waste. According to [horticulturist David] Lofgren, jacarandas are the favorite lunch spot of millions of hungry aphids. They have to suck out a lot of useless carbohydrates from flower nectar to get enough protein to keep their little brains sparkling, and expel anything they don’t need through a “little plug in their gut,” Lofgren said. Some PR agent of the Aphid Protection League long ago called this material “honeydew.” Ants love honeydew and protect aphids from predators such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps by stroking their backs like affectionate bodyguards.
If you are unlucky, park your precious car at Jacaranda tree during the flowering period, there are a few ways to get rid of the sticky mess that will inevitably engulf it. LAist says that insect remover can usually get rid of the stickiness after you burn it to your car or burn it to your sidewalk or even your shoes. If you often have to park under Jacaranda, fill your car with windshield wiper fluid with insect remover to remove annoying droplets from your windshield. So the next time you’re in awe of the stunning lavender leaves forming a canopy over your head, you have a fun and slightly gross fact to share with your friends. Elated summer, SoCal!
