OOTY: After a long gap of 18 years, the Nilgiri hills are once again painted blue with the blooming of Neelakurinji flowers (Strobilanthes kunthianus). The flowers have blossomed extensively in the Epnad, Chengamudi, and Ebanaad regions of the Nilgiri district, near Ooty, drawing tourists from Kerala and other parts of the country.

The Neelakurinji flowers last bloomed in 2006. They were expected to bloom again in May 2018, but the flowering was delayed due to climate change. The frequency of flowering differs among species, ranging from annual blooming to once in 16 years. Neelakurinji plants thrive at an altitude of approximately 1200 meters above sea level. The seeds mature ten months after flowering.

A team of three German scientists conducted studies decades ago on the Neelakurinji flower. They assigned the scientific name Strobilanthes kunthianus. The species name 'kunthianus' is derived from the name of German botanist Kunth.

In dry weather conditions, Neelakurinji flowers can last up to three months after blooming. Research suggests that pollination occurs primarily through honeybees. The Toda tribal community traditionally calculates their age based on the cycles of Neelakurinji blooms. In Tamil Sangam literature, the Western Ghats mountain range is referred to as 'Kurinjithina'.

450 species (approximately)
40% found only in India
64 species are endemic to the Western Ghats