Neelakurinji, the Iconic Flowering Shrub of Kodagu & Western Ghats, Listed as Vulnerable by IUCN

This marks the first global Red List assessment for this emblematic species of the montane grasslands in southwest India.

Thrissur(Kerala): The Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a purplish flowering shrub known for its rare blooming cycle every 12 years, has been added to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of threatened species. This marks the first global Red List assessment for this emblematic species of the montane grasslands in southwest India.

According to a report by The Hindu, the recent assessment categorizes the Neelakurinji as "Vulnerable" under the IUCN Criteria A2c. The shrub’s mass blooming phenomenon is a major draw for tourists in Kodagu and Kerala.

The assessment was carried out by Amitha Bachan K.H. and Devika M. Anilkumar from the Centre for Ecology Taxonomy Conservation and Climate Change (CEtC) at the Research Department of Botany, MES Asmabi College, Kodungalloor. The review was conducted by Aparna Watwe from the Western Ghats Plant Specialist Group.

Dr. Bachan noted, “While the species was recognized as threatened, it had not previously been evaluated using IUCN's global standards. The challenges included its specific montane habitat, its rare blooming cycle, and the lack of comprehensive ecological studies.”

Neelakurinji, an endemic shrub reaching up to three meters in height, thrives in the high-altitude shola grasslands of five mountain ranges in southwest India, typically at elevations between 1,340 and 2,600 meters. Known for its spectacular purplish-blue blooms, this species blooms only once every 12 years, a phenomenon first documented in 1832.

Scientists highlight that Neelakurinji's habitat faces significant threats from conversion to tea and softwood plantations, urbanization, and invasive species like eucalyptus and black wattle. “Approximately 40% of its habitat has been lost, and the remaining areas face pressures from infrastructure development, afforestation, and climate change,” the scientists reported. “Thus, the species is classified as Vulnerable A2c.”

Neelakurinji occupies an area of 220 square kilometers, with an extent of occurrence spanning 25,510 square kilometers. It consists of 34 subpopulations distributed across 14 ecoregions in the high-altitude mountain ranges of southwest India, including 33 subpopulations in the Western Ghats and one in the Eastern Ghats (Yercaud, Shevaroy Hills).

To advertise on The Kodagu Express website, kindly give us a call or WhatsApp at 9108795369

Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Group: CLICK HERE 

Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter)