Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) has been listed under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, by the ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEF).

Neelakurinji

• Neelakurinji plants display distinct characteristics and a unique lifecycle. They bloom only once in 12 years and the flowers don’t last for more than 30 days. 

• After the flowers wilt, the plant itself dries up and soon no trace of the plant would exist at the spot. 

• However, the seeds of the plant remain in the soil and would be safe even during the frequent forest fires witnessed in the area. After eight-ten years, the seeds sprout and the plant would bloom in another two years.

• Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is a unique species, which blooms in the altitudes between 1,600 and 2,695 meters in the Western Ghats.

• It is believed that the name Nilgiris (literally means Blue Mountains) itself came from the purplish blue flowers of Neelakurinji.

• This Neelakurinji belongs to the family of Acanthaceae.

• This genus has around 300 species. There are other kurinji plants also. Its flowering cycles ranges from one to 16 years.

Wild Life (Protection) Act

• The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 provides for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental with a view to ensuring the ecological and environmental security of the country.

• The Act provides for stringent punishment for violation of its provisions. 

• The Act also provides for forfeiture of any equipment, vehicle or weapon that is used for committing wildlife offence.

• Rare and endangered species found in India, like Tiger, Snow Leopard, Great Indian Bustard, Gangetic Dolphin, Dugong, etc have been listed in Schedule-I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 thereby providing them highest degree of protection.

• India is a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora which requires that appropriate measures are taken to enforce the provisions of the Convention.

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