The Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a unique flowering shrub found only in southwest India, has been classified as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This marks the first time the Neelakurinji has been globally assessed, underscoring its ecological importance and the urgent need to protect it. The plant is famous for its rare and spectacular blooming cycle and plays a crucial role in the biodiversity of its habitat.

Characteristics of the Neelakurinji

• Height: The Neelakurinji can grow up to three meters tall.
• Habitat: It is found only in the high-altitude shola grasslands, particularly in the Western Ghats of India.
• Distribution: The plant is found in five specific mountain areas within the Western Ghats.
• Elevation: It grows best at heights between 1,340 and 2,600 meters above sea level.

Blooming Cycle

• Cycle Duration: The Neelakurinji blooms once every 12 years.
• Visual Impact: During its blooming period, the landscape is transformed into a stunning purplish-blue color.
• Life Cycle: The plant has a unique life cycle called semelparity, where it blooms, produces fruit, and then dies.

Conservation Status

The IUCN classification shows that the Neelakurinji population has decreased by at least 30% over the last three generations. Several factors contribute to its vulnerable status:

• Reduction in Area of Occupancy: The area where the Neelakurinji is found has become smaller.
• Decreased Extent of Occurrence: The overall range where the plant can be found has shrunk.
• Deterioration of Habitat Quality: The quality of the natural environment where the Neelakurinji grows is declining.

This assessment highlights the need for immediate conservation efforts to protect the Neelakurinji and its habitat. Its rare life cycle and important role in the ecosystem are under threat due to environmental changes.

Facts About Neelakurinji

• Blooming Cycle: The Neelakurinji blooms every 12 years.
• Flowering Season: It usually flowers between July and September.
• Location: The plant covers the Western Ghats in Kerala, India, with violet flowers.
• Growth Conditions: It thrives in high altitudes and poor soil.
• Mass Flowering: Neelakurinji has a special event called “mass flowering” where all plants in the area bloom at once.
• Pollinators: Its flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
• Name Origin: The name comes from “Neela” (meaning blue) and “Kurinji” (meaning flower).
• Cultural and Environmental Importance: The Neelakurinji is important for local biodiversity, culture, and tourism.

What is the IUCN Red List?

The IUCN Red List is a global record that tracks how endangered different species are. It was created in 1964 and categorizes species based on their risk of extinction, using categories like Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild, and Extinct. The list includes over 147,000 species, with almost 40% of them at risk of extinction. The IUCN Red List uses factors such as population size, habitat loss, and geographical range to assess the risk. This list helps guide conservation efforts, raises awareness about biodiversity loss, supports international environmental agreements, and influences conservation policies around the world.