METTUKURINJI – ENVIRONMENT
NEWS :
An unfortunate resemblance: Why conservation evades
the depleting Mettukurinji of Western Ghats
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS ?
The
recent discovery of Mettukurinji (Strobilanthes sessilis) in Kerala's Idukki
region has sparked widespread interest and attracted many tourists eager to
witness its rare and stunning purple blooms. Although the region is already
famous for the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), which blooms every 12
years, Mettukurinji has garnered attention due to its similar visual appeal and
its distinctive characteristics.
Key
Highlights:
- Common Name: Mettukurinji (Topli karvy)
- Scientific Name:
Strobilanthes sessilis
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Endemic Region:
Western Ghats, India
- Visual Appearance:
Resembles Neelakurinji with purple or lilac flowers, arranged in spikes.
- Differentiating Features:
Mettukurinji lacks leaf stalks, has flaring petals, and is found on steep
cliffs and plateaus at around 800 meters above sea level.
- Blooming Cycle:
Every 7 years, contrasting with Neelakurinji, which blooms every 12-14
years in the southern Western Ghats.
- Environmental Significance:
Mettukurinji plays a crucial role in preventing soil erosion and
maintaining the stability of hilly terrains in its native region.
- Threats: The species faces
challenges from climate change, which can cause ecological asynchrony, and
from human activities like flower picking, which further endanger its
existence.
- Pharmacological Use: The
plant has shown potential anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It
contains endo fenchyl acetate, an important flavoring agent for cosmetics.
- Conservation Status:
While less studied compared to Neelakurinji, Mettukurinji is in need of
further research and conservation efforts to ensure its survival.
The
discovery and blooming of Mettukurinji underline the rich biodiversity of the
Western Ghats and the need for focused conservation strategies to protect such
rare and ecologically significant species.
Source
:
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/an-unfortunate-resemblance-why-conservation-evades-the-depleting-mettukurinji-of-western-ghats