View source for Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana)

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=What is ''Neelakurinji''?=
[http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mass-flowering-of-neelakurinji-expected-in-2018/article22092777.ece  Rohan Premkumar, December 20, 2017: ''The Hindu'']

[[File: Blue wonder-The neelakurinji season is set to begin from July-end (2018), after 12 years.jpg|Blue wonder-The neelakurinji season is set to begin from July-end (2018), after 12 years <br/> From: [http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/munnar-all-set-to-welcome-visitors/article23652153.ece  Giji K. Raman, April 24, 2018: ''The Hindu'']|frame|500px]]

[[File: Strobilanthes kunthiana or Neelakurinji flowering along the Ooty-Gudalur Road. Photo Credit- Rohan Premkumar.jpg|Strobilanthes kunthiana or Neelakurinji flowering along the Ooty-Gudalur Road. Photo Credit- Rohan Premkumar <br/> From: [http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/mass-flowering-of-neelakurinji-expected-in-2018/article22092777.ece  Rohan Premkumar, December 20, 2017: ''The Hindu'']|frame|500px]]

The flower, also called Neelakurinji and special to the western ghats, especially The Nilgiris, has a 12-year flowering cycle. In Tamil Nadu, less than 10% of the total number of Strobilanthes plants remain, as most of the grasslands where they occur have been destroyed because of the establishment of tea estates and introduction of invasive species, he notes with concern.

Swathes of shola grasslands in the blue mountains are likely to hit a purple patch with the expected mass blooming of kurinji flowers (Strobilanthes kunthiana) by winter 2018.

=Blooms in 2021 =
[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysuru/photos-from-karnataka-this-flower-blooms-once-in-12-years/photostory/88251074.cms   Dec 13, 2021: ''The Times of India'']

[[File: Neelakurinji blooms once in 12 years.jpg|Neelakurinji blooms once in 12 years <br/> From: [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysuru/photos-from-karnataka-this-flower-blooms-once-in-12-years/photostory/88251074.cms   Dec 13, 2021: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]


Neelakurinji, known as Strobilanthes kunthiana, bloomed in Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve this year. - Photos by Karnataka forest department

Neelakurinji blooms once in 12 years.

The blooming rare bluishpurple flower makes for a spectacular view, attracting a large number of visitors, although entry to the reserve is restricted.

This flower has been in bloom for two weeks in a large area of Chamarajanagar district hill range of Byluru and Punajur.

The flower has been seen also in the hill ranges of Honnametti and Bedaguli estates.

After the government declared BRT a tiger reserve, the forest department restricted the entry of visitors to enjoy this rare sight.

Earlier, the flower used to bloom in Kodagu and Bababudangiri hills in Chikkamagaluru district too.

This flower is believed to have medicinal value.

=See also=
[[Neelakurinji]]

[[Western Ghats/ Sahyadri: India]]

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