There’s no doubt that India is a vast expanse of mother nature’s captivating mysteries. One of them is Neelakurinji, a rare flower that blooms every 12 years.
Formally known as Strobilanthes Kunthianus, this flower comes in the alluring mix of lavender and blue. Its generous lushes can be spotted in the crests of high range hills of the Western Ghats. It last appeared in 2018, which marked its 15th appearance since its first documentation in 1838.
Southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu are quite the hotspots in the monsoon months with tour operators advertising their Neelakurinji season packages. Often deemed lucky and considered as a symbol of romance, Neelakurinji has quite the history with the locals. Tribal folks use the flower’s lifecycle to count one’s age and even feed newborns with its rare honey.
Back in 2006, efforts were made in the form of The Kurinjimala Sanctuary, where 32 sq km of land was set aside to protect Neelakurinji and other native species. Unfortunately, a lot of shrubs did wash away in Kerala’s horrific floods last year only to question its continued existence in today’s ever changing climate. But hope remains as they are set to blossom again in 2030. So, till then, keep your calendars marked and do your bit to better the environment.
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