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Neelakurinji नीलकुरिंजी

Strobilanthes kunthiana

Foxtail Orchid (द्रौपदी माला), Rhynchostylis retusa
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Hindi
नीलकुरिंजी
Botanical
Strobilanthes kunthiana
Family
Acanthaceae

About the plant

The shrub that turns the Nilgiri slopes blue once every twelve years, then dies.

Growing it

A hill species; it needs cool wet air and will not grow in the plains.

What it is for

Mass flowering spectacle; the emblem plant of the Nilgiris.

How to grow

Sunlight
Full sun at altitude
Water
High rainfall, cool air
Season
Jun–Jul
Grows in
Garden / ground
Mature size
30–180 cm
First harvest
Flowers once in 12 years

A hill species; it needs cool wet air and will not grow in the plains.

Traditional uses

Traditionally used — recorded as tradition, not as established effect. The two registers below are kept separate on purpose.

Traditional knowledge

Mass flowering spectacle; the emblem plant of the Nilgiris.

Scientific evidence

This record has not yet assessed the research on these uses. Absence of an assessment here is not evidence either way.

Important: Traditional plant use does not replace professional medical advice. Do not treat a condition on the strength of this page — speak to a doctor.

Ecological value

Where it grows in India

Review
Not yet reviewed by a named specialist
Published