10 Interesting Facts About The Rare Neelakurinji Flower
by priyanka roshan | aug 14, 2024
Unique Blooming Cycle
Neelakurinji is famous for its rare blooming cycle, where the plant flowers only once every 12 years, creating a breathtaking purple-blue landscape.
(Image: Canva)
Endemic to Western Ghats
This plant is native to the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site in India, & is primarily found in the high-altitude regions of Kerala, Karnataka, & Tamil Nadu.
(Image: Canva)
height
Neelakurinji can grow up to three meters tall, making it one of the taller shrubs in its natural habitat.
(Image: Canva)
Semelparous Nature
The plant is semelparous, meaning it blooms and produces seeds only once in its lifetime before dying.
(Image: Canva)
Vulnerable Status
Neelakurinji is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to habitat loss, climate change, and human activities such as deforestation.
(Image: Canva)
Ecological Significance
The flowering of Neelakurinji is a crucial ecological event, providing food and habitat for various species, including bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
(Image: Canva)
Cultural Importance
The bloom of Neelakurinji has deep cultural significance for the local communities, who eagerly await the once-in-a-lifetime event.
(Image: Canva)
Tourist Attraction
The blooming season of Neelakurinji draws thousands of tourists and nature enthusiasts to the Western Ghats, particularly in the Munnar region of Kerala.
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Scientific Name
The botanical name of Neelakurinji is Strobilanthes kunthiana, belonging to the Acanthaceae family.
(Image: Canva)
Conservation Efforts
Due to its vulnerable status, conservation efforts are being undertaken to protect Neelakurinji and its natural habitat, ensuring the survival of this unique species.
(Image: Canva)