Neelakurinji
Published on 12 Apr 2025
- Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes Kunthiana), a purplish flowering shrub that blooms once every 12 years, has been included as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
- This is the first Global Red List assessment for this flagship species of the montane grasslands in southwest India.
- Endemic to high-altitude shola grasslands (1,340–2,600 m), nearly 40% of its habitat has been lost, with threats from exotic species, infrastructure development, afforestation, and climate change.