louis

This is a close-up of the flowers of the jacaranda tree.  In this picture the colour is more blue, while the purple hues that can dominate under certain lighting circumstances is also visible.   As mentioned before, these trees flower mainly in October each year.  That is also the time that students at the University of Pretoria start with their exams.  An old 'belief' is that  when a jacaranda flower falls on your head while studying, you are sure to pass the exams.

On windy or rainy days these flowers fall in their droves from the trees, lining sidewalks and streets with a purple/blue carpet.  A first car driving over it will release popping sounds as the flowers are squashed.

Purple Rain is a song recorded by Prince and the Revolution for the movie Purple Rain.  Two striking lines from somewhere near the end of the song:

If you know what I'm singing about up here
C'mon raise your hand