KURINJI [29-May-06]

Theme: Flora and fauna
Title: KURINJI
Date Of Issue: 29-May-2006
Denomination: 1500(Ps)
No/Issue Sheet: 18
Printing Process: Photogravure
Nos. Printed: 0.8million
Printer: India Security Press, Nashik

Kurinji is the legendary blue and white flowers of the Western Ghats, is said to have given its name to Nilgiris(the blue hills around Ooty in Tamil Nadu and Wynad District in Kerala) and the Plant itself is an indicator of the health of the ecosystem. It is a gregarious shrub in the family of Acathancea, of the sub species of Strobilanthes group. The more important and famous among them is "Neela Kurinji" or "Blue Flower", s"strobilanthes Kunthiranus. It is tall bushy shrub, sometimes eight to ten feet high, and is covered with a profusion of bright blue bell-like flowers. All of them have a periodicity from eight to 12 years. After blossoming, the plant wilts. The last blooming was recorded in 1994. Though is started blooming in December 2005, the flower in its gorgeous full bloom can be seen in 2006. The occasion of blooming attracts tourists from all over the world. It is said that in and around Munnar, the tribals, a majority of them Muduvas, calculate their age with the flowering Kurinji. It is alsi believed that it has medicinal properties and is recognized in Ayurveda system. The legendary Kurinji is blooming in the mountains in the year 2006, which would be asight to cherish and preserve.