The genus is separated into two sections, "Jacaranda" and "Dilobos" DC. Section "Jacaranda" (which includes Blue Jacarandas) has 18 species. It is found mostly in western South America, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Section "Dilobos", which is thought to be the oldest form, has 31 species. It is found mostly in southeastern Brazil. This includes the Paraná River valley. The kind of wood in the two sections is also different.