NEELAKURINJI
Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is a notable flowering plant found primarily in the Western Ghats of India.
Here are some key details about Neelakurinji:
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Flowering Cycle: Neelakurinji is famous for its rare and spectacular flowering cycle. The plant blooms only once every 12 years. When it does bloom, it covers large areas of the Western Ghats with a blue or violet hue, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
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Habitat: It is found mainly in the high-altitude regions of the Western Ghats, particularly in the Nilgiri Hills, and extends into parts of Kerala and Karnataka. It thrives in the shola forests and grasslands of these regions.
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Significance: The blooming of Neelakurinji is a significant event in the ecological and cultural landscape of the Western Ghats. It is celebrated with festivals and attracts tourists and nature enthusiasts.
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Botanical Characteristics: Neelakurinji is a shrub that grows to about 30-60 cm in height. It produces small, tubular flowers that are typically blue or violet in colour. The plant has a distinctive odour and is known for its unique flowering pattern.
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Conservation: The plant is not currently considered endangered, but its specific flowering cycle and habitat requirements make it vulnerable to changes in its environment, such as deforestation and climate change. Conservation efforts are in place to protect its natural habitat.
- The most recent global evaluation classifies Neelakurinji as Vulnerable (Criteria A2c) according to IUCN standards. Its spectacular mass blooming draws significant tourism interest. Although recent blooming was observed in Peerumade, Idukki, it did not cover a large area.
- Previously, while the species was known to be threatened, it had not been assessed according to IUCN global criteria until this latest evaluation. Factors hindering a thorough assessment included its limited distribution in the montane sky islands of the Western Ghats, its rare 12-year blooming cycle, and the lack of extensive ecological research.
- Strobilanthes kunthiana is a shrub that reaches up to three meters in height and is endemic to the high-altitude shola grassland ecosystems across five mountain ranges in southwest India, at elevations ranging from 1,340 to 2,600 meters.
- Renowned for its striking purple-blue blooms, Neelakurinji (Blue Strobilanthes) flowers are notable for their once-in-12-years synchronous blooming and fruiting cycle, a phenomenon recorded since 1832.
- The primary threat to Neelakurinji stems from the destruction of its delicate high-altitude grassland habitat due to conversion for tea and softwood plantations and urban expansion. Nearly 40% of its habitat has been lost, and the remainder is threatened by invasive species like eucalyptus and black wattle. Additionally, infrastructure development, afforestation projects, and climate change further endanger the species, leading to its Vulnerable A2c status
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For Prelims: Current events of national and international Importance
For Mains: GS III - Environment & Ecology - IUCN list
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Previous Year Questions
1.The "Red Data Books" published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of (UPSC CSE 2011)
1. Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots.
2. Threatened plant and animal species.
3. Protected sites for the conservation of nature and natural resources in various countries.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A.1 and 3
B.2 only
C.2 and 3
D.3 only
Answer (B)
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