Neelakurinji Flower Blooms

Why in news?

• According to the recent orders, those who uproot or destroy the plant will invite a fine of ₹25,000 and three years imprisonment. The cultivation of this and its possession is not allowed, 
• Neelakurinji has been included on the list when the Centre expanded the earlier protected list of six plant species to 19.

About Neelakurunji

• Neelakuruj is scientifically known as Strobilanthus Kunsthaus, 
• It is a shrub that grows in the shola forests of the Western Ghats in South India.
• The plant is named after the famous Kunthi River which flows through Kerala’s Silent Valley National Park, where the plant occurs abundantly.
• It is found at an altitude of 1,300-2,400 metres.
• This flower blooms once in 12 years as the pollination of flowers needs a longer period.
• It is mainly found in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

 The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972

• This act was enacted for the protection of plants and animal species. 
• Also, this act established schedules of protected plant and animal species; hunting or harvesting of these species was largely outlawed.

 

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Q1) Is Neelakurinji flower endemic to Western ghats?

All Neelakurunji flowers are endemic to Shola forests of western ghats. 

Source: Centre puts Neelakurinji on the list of protected plants.