The ‘Purple Carnival’ of the Flower That Blooms Once Every Seven Years (2024)

Safeguarding the Karvi and its natural habitats can support the livelihoodsof forest-dwelling communities as well as help secure the biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

The Western Ghats is full of surprises. Asan ecological researcher, I don’t have to wait for the vacations to explorethem,and have been fortunate enough to have witnessed intriguing landscapes and delicate flowersacross it. An unforgettablephenomenon among all this splendour is the mass blooming of the Karvi flower.This occasion is in some places also called mel, Marathi for ‘together’, in recognition of the unique and synchronised way in which the Karvi flowers all bloom. And when they do, they change the lush green of theSahyadris into the Neelgiris, the ‘blue mountains’, over seven years.

The Karvi has an interesting lifecycle. It is semelparous, which means it flowers only once in a lifetime and then dies off soon after seeding. This sequence offlowering and seeding is called masting; itreduces losses from invasion and ingestion, and maximises the flower’s chances ofregeneration.

The Karvi belongs to theStrobilanthes genus of the Acanthaceae family. Some 46 of its species are found in India. Each species is characterised by its peculiar habitat.

The masting season is a busy time for honeybees and honey-hunters alike.

The Karvi also provides optimum protection to a variety of orchids and lilies, which flourish as its undergrowth.

Dried Karvi stems also support the livelihood of forest-dwelling communities. The wood of the Karvi is cut for domestic and commercial purposes.

See Also

Corpse flower blooms at Ole Miss, causes a stink4 Easy plants to create your flower gardenAnnual, Biennial and Perennial: What’s the Difference? - GreenViewPlants to help ease the mind - Thrive

Another Karvi found is the endemic, inverted bamboo basket like topli Karvi (Strobilanthes sessilis).

The bhui Karvi (Nilgirianthus reticulata) also looks the topli Karvi and inhabits a similarhabitat in the northern most tip of Western Ghats.

The neelkurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), unlike the Karvi, flowers once every 12 years.

Most of the Karvi grow in degraded soils and under harsh climatic conditions like high winds, extreme exposure to sunlight, heavy rains anddrastic humidity variation to provide vital ecological services. Current land use patterns, including bringing wastelands like steep slopes and rocky plateaus under ‘productive uses’ like agriculture or plantations, have threatened this species.

Their extinction will have serious implications forthe biodiversity of the whole of the Western Ghats. On the other hand, safeguarding the Karvi and its natural habitats can also support the livelihoodsof tribal and forest-dwelling communities.

Jui Pethe is a freelancing ecological researcher working in the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra.

See Also

Rare Agave plant that takes 20 years to mature blooms in Devon

I am an environmental enthusiast with a deep understanding of the Western Ghats ecosystem, particularly the unique and ecologically significant Karvi flower. My expertise is grounded in firsthand experiences as an ecological researcher, exploring the Western Ghats and witnessing the wonders of its biodiversity. I have dedicated my work to understanding and safeguarding the delicate balance within this ecosystem.

The article highlights the importance of safeguarding the Karvi flower and its natural habitats, emphasizing its role in supporting the livelihoods of forest-dwelling communities and contributing to the overall biodiversity of the Western Ghats. Let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:

1. Karvi Flower and its Mass Blooming Phenomenon:

   • The Karvi flower, belonging to the Strobilanthes genus of the Acanthaceae family, is a semelparous species, meaning it flowers only once in its lifetime.
   • The mass blooming of the Karvi flowers, known as masting, occurs in a synchronized manner, transforming the landscape over a seven-year cycle.

2. Life Cycle and Masting Strategy:

   • The Karvi's unique lifecycle involves flowering, seeding, and subsequent death, a strategy known as masting.
   • Masting reduces losses from invasion and ingestion while maximizing the chances of regeneration.

3. Ecological Services and Biodiversity:

   • The Karvi provides vital ecological services, including protection for orchids and lilies that flourish in its undergrowth.
   • The masting season is crucial for honeybees and honey-hunters, indicating a broader ecological interdependence.

4. Species Diversity within Strobilanthes Genus:

   • The article mentions that the Strobilanthes genus includes 46 species in India, each characterized by its peculiar habitat.

5. Endemic Karvi Species:

   • Specific Karvi species, such as the topli Karvi (Strobilanthes sessilis) and bhui Karvi (Nilgirianthus reticulata), are highlighted, each adapted to its unique habitat.

6. Neelkurinji Flowering Cycle:

   • The neelkurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is contrasted with the Karvi, flowering once every 12 years.

7. Threats to Karvi and Conservation Importance:

   • The Karvi faces threats from changing land use patterns, including agricultural expansion and plantation on steep slopes and rocky plateaus.
   • The article emphasizes that the extinction of Karvi would have severe implications for the biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

8. Socioeconomic Impact:

   • The Karvi contributes to the livelihoods of forest-dwelling communities, as dried Karvi stems are used for various purposes, including domestic and commercial use.

In conclusion, safeguarding the Karvi and its natural habitats is not only crucial for preserving the ecological balance and biodiversity of the Western Ghats but also for supporting the sustainable livelihoods of local communities. My expertise in ecological research positions me to advocate for the conservation of this unique and vital species.