Ripple effect -05

 

Mrs. Ramya Sethu Ram M.E

Hello Readers,

This month’s inspiration comes from the recent and breathtaking bloom of the Kurinji flower, one of my all-time favourites, in the Western Ghats, particularly across the Nilgiri Hills and Munnar. The Kurinji, a flower that never fails to amaze me. It has once again transformed the hills into a stunning sea of blue. This recent rare phenomenon, which occurs only once every 12 years, drew thousands of visitors.

But why does the Kurinji flower bloom so infrequently, and what makes it so special?

Why Kurinji is special: The science behind the bloom

The Kurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is no ordinary flower. It blooms in perfect synchrony across vast stretches of the Western Ghats, a rare botanical event known as mast seeding. This phenomenon occurs when all the plants of a species flower at the same time after a long period of dormancy (a period of rest or inactivity), which in the case of Kurinji is 12 years.

The coordinated blooming of the Kurinji is a smart survival strategy that helps protect the species. When all the plants bloom at the same time, the large number of flowers and seeds produced is so overwhelming that herbivores and pests can’t possibly consume them all. This means that even though some seeds might get eaten, there are still plenty left to grow into new plants. By blooming in such large numbers, the Kurinji ensures that enough seeds survive to continue the species, making it much harder for predators to significantly impact their population. This mass blooming event is nature’s way of ensuring the plant’s survival despite the challenges in its environment.

Once the bloom is over, the plant dies, leaving behind seeds that will lie dormant until the next cycle begins. This unusual adaptation not only secures the plant’s survival but also ensures that the flower remains an extraordinary sight.

Celebrating the Kurinji: A Flower of culture and coexistence

For centuries, the Kurinji flower has been more than just a beautiful bloom. It has held a special place in the hearts of the people living near its flowering hills. Celebrated in ancient Tamil Sangam literature – the Kurinji symbolizes love, youth, and the passage of time.

….contd in Aalumai Sirpi Magazine.