(Jacaranda acutifolia)
Even before you see it, you sense its presence. Once in your field of vision, its sizzling, violet-blue floral explosion grabs your attention and holds it fast. Well, at least for me anyway... Driving at a fair clip on US 441 near Tavares, Florida, my eyes locked onto a fluorescent ultra-violet mass that shimmered in dark water of a canal. Mesmerized, I gawked, admired and then drove off the road. Recovering control of the car, I resolved to stop and pay a proper visit to this beauty on my return trip.