It’s the time of year when jacaranda trees are bursting into bloom, heralding the change of seasons with their branches draped in stunning clusters of violet bell-shaped flowers.

Native to the South American countries of Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay, the species was introduced to Mexico at the beginning of the 20th century by Japanese immigrants Tasuguro Matsumoro and son Sanshiro. After settling in Mexico City they began cultivating jacarandas seedlings that were eventually planted along the capital’s main avenues in the era following the Mexican Revolution.