COONOOR: Bloom of charming Jacaranda flowers in clusters on tree tops with their enchanting beauty has begun to add colours to the Coonoor slopes. It also heralds that the hills is virtually ready to provide the summer treat with colours of nature.

With the only couple of weeks is away for the commencement of the popular summer season in the Nilgiris, the recent spell of good showers, especially in the Coonoor and Kotagiri belt on the eastern side of Nilgiris, has done a world of good for the frost-bitten flora to rejuvenate fast to regain its greenery in time.

Now, the bloom of purplish-blue Jacaranda flowers in clusters in the tree tops that cheers and greets the visitors to the hills, is certainly nature’s way of announcing that Nilgiris is readying to treat the summer visitors with zest.

The bloom of the Jacaranda in clusters that has commenced along the roadside, especially between the Katteri-Burliar sector of the Ooty-NH in Coonoor slopes and also along the Kallati-Masinagudi along the Mudumalai road, simply enchants the onlookers with their elegance and charm.

Dr S. Rajan, scientist at the Central Ayush wing here, said that Jacaranda is on ornamental flowering tree which is native of Mexico. The one which grows in Nilgiris belongs to the Jacaranda mimosifolia species.

“Purple-blue, bell-shaped Jacaranda flowers with unique fragrance make it very special attraction during summer in Nilgiris. It is grown in the tea gardens and also along the road sides as avenue trees which during the bloom brings unparalleled beauty to the hills besides serving as shade tree with colours. They also provide the nectar to the insects and some avians. The flowers are long-lasting in nature and the bloom will be there for the next two months” he added.