Scientific Name

Strobilanthes kunthiana

Family

Acanthaceae

Habitat

  • Western Ghats
  • Particularly associated with high-altitude shola-grassland ecosystems.

Famous For

Mass flowering creates a spectacular blue carpet over hills.

Flowering Cycle

Neelakurinji is famous for its approximately 12-year flowering cycle.

Ecological Importance

  • Important component of montane grassland ecosystems.
  • Supports pollinators.
  • Mass flowering can influence local ecological interactions.

Threats

  • Habitat loss
  • Tourism pressure
  • Climate change
  • Invasive species
  • Changes in land use

UPSC Significance

Useful for questions on:

  • Western Ghats biodiversity
  • Endemic flora
  • Shola ecosystems
  • Phenology
  • Climate change

Prelims Pointer: Neelakurinji → Strobilanthes kunthiana → Acanthaceae → Western Ghats → ~12-year flowering cycle.