Rare Flower That Blooms Once In 12 Years
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The Neelakurinji, a rare flower, is found in the shola forests of the Western Ghats in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu
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The flower is rare because of its blooming cycle. It blooms between mid-July and October once every 12 years
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The flower is especially known for its blooms in the Eravikulam National Park and the hills of Munnar
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The flower's name comes from the Malayalam words neela (blue) and kurinji (flower)
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The Neelakurinji is a purplish-blue shrub that creates a stunning carpet of colour when it blooms
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Its blooming cycle is sensitive to changes in climate and habitat, and can indicate the health of the ecosystem
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The last time the flower bloomed was in 2018, and the next time will be in 2030
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The flower can be found at an altitude of 1,300 to 2,400 metres, and usually grows to a height of 30 to 60 cm
Image: X/@MegamalaiS
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