Neelkurunji in Nilgiri

Current Context : After a long gap of 18 years, the Nilgiri hills are once again painted blue with the blooming of Neelakurinji flowers (Strobilanthes kunthianus).

ABOUT NEELKURUNJI

• Neelkurunji, scientifically known as Strobilanthes kunthiana, is a flowering plant native to the Western Ghats of India, particularly found in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
• Neelkurunji is a herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall. It has long, narrow leaves and produces striking blue or purple flowers.
• Blooming Cycle: One of its most unique features is its synchronized flowering cycle, which occurs once every 12 years. When it blooms, the landscape is transformed into a vibrant sea of blue.
• It typically grows in hilly regions, often found at altitudes of 1,200 to 2,500 meters. Neelkurunji thrives in montane forests and grasslands. The seeds mature ten months after flowering.
• Tourism: The flowering events attract tourists and nature enthusiasts, contributing to ecotourism in the Western Ghats.