Days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer, yes. But the proliferation of showy tree blossoms is the sign that truly tells us that spring is just around the corner.
The magical season of regeneration officially begins a week from now, on March 20, the spring equinox. The natural surroundings of the Lake Chapala region and inner-city neighborhoods have gradually come to life with endemic and imported flowering trees that dot the landscape.
The jacaranda is not native to Mexico, but thrives in Jalisco’s benign climate. Its bell-shaped flowers grow in clusters that pop out in the first days of March, dropping to the ground propelled by springtime breezes to cover streets, sidewalks, parks and gardens with lavender-hued carpets.
The tall and majestic yellow Poux bursts into canary-colored flowers as early as January. Not for nothing, local folks refer to the species as Primavera.
The tabachín, scientifically known as Delonix regia, but popularly known as the flamboyant or royal poinciana tree, is a tropical tree recognized for its spectacular, intense flowering of red, orange or yellow.
The Clavellina, a variety of the so-called “shaving brush” tree, greets the season by breaking out in soft pink pompons with magenta centers. Their peculiar shapes bring to mind the whimsical illustrations of Dr. Seuss.
Smaller cousins to the yellow Poux variety are the Pink Poui, also commonly known as Primavera.