13th February, 2024
ANUPA MUKHERJEE
● Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is a shrub with over 40 species growing in India alone. Each species blooms in cycles ranging from one to 16 years. ● This mass blooming is like a timer to help tribes in the hills track their age.
● When the bloom occurs, entire hillsides transform into a vibrant carpet of purplish blue, attracting pollinators and tourists alike. ● After it flowers, the shrub dies, a unique survival strategy known as monocarpic.
● When the bloom occurs, entire hillsides transform into a vibrant carpet of purplish blue, attracting pollinators and tourists alike. ● Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu is another prominent location. ● Eravikulam National Park in Kerala protects a wide variety of Neelakurinji species.
● The unique blooming cycle supports an abundance of insects and helps produce a special type of honey. ● It helps revitalize the soil with an extra influx of nutrients after the plants die back.
● If you plan a trip to India in 2024, consider seeking a region where the Neelakurinji bloom is predicted. You'll witness a magnificent natural phenomenon!