Neelakurinji Blooms Munnar 2018
Kurinji or Neelakurinji is a shrub that is found in the forests of the Western Ghats in South India. Kurinji grows at an altitude of 1300 to 2400 meters. There are many varieties of kurinji.
Features of Kurinji Flower
Scientific name: Strobilanthes kunthianus
Size: 30 to 60 cm high
The Kurinji plants are fire resistant and act as a natural protector to the grasslands from forest fires and also check soil erosion.
Neelakurinji flowers bloomed at Rajamalai Eravikulam National Park, Munnar
Why Neela kurinji flowers only once in 12 years?
Neela kurinji is a monocarpic plant. Among the plants, there are Annuals and Perennials. In which Annual plants complete their life cycle in one year and Perennials live for more than two years.
Some of the Perennial plants flower only once in their lifetime, set seeds and die. Such plants are known as monocarpic plant opposed to polycarpic plants that flower and set seeds many times during its lifetime.
Monocarpic plants flower only after attaining maturity. This happens in the case of bamboos and Kurinjis. Neelakurinji matures in 12 years’ time and flowers gregariously every 12 years.
Neela kurinji flowers at Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Munnar
Neela kurinji Photos
Kurinji Blooming History at Rajamalai
Before 2018, neelakurinji bloomed on 1982, 1994, and 2006 in Munnar
Kurinji Sanctuary in Munnar
The Neela kurinji is the true gem of Munnar. You can find the palnt and flowers in various part of Munnar. Rajamalai in Eravikulam National Park is a part of Kurinji sanctuary in Munnar. Kurinjimala Sanctuary protects the kurinji in approximately 32 km² core habitat in Kottakamboor and Vattavada villages in Idukki district of Kerala.
Neela kurinji at Eravikulam National Park
Every twelve years, the hills of Eravikulam, Munnar in Kerala burst into a sea of blue, a rare natural spectacle for which travelers make a beeline for. An endless stretch of rolling hills carpeted with tiny blue flowers welcomes the visitors.
Instruction for the visitors
Do not pluck the flowers or plant.
Neelakurinji flowering area is a strictly no plastic zone.
Do not touch or feed the Nilgiri Tahr or any other animals.
Neela kurinji Flower at Rajamalai Eravikulam National Park Munnar
Photo Credit: Ajai Devaraj
