Karvi's mass flowering in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park adds a burst of color to the monsoon landscape, making it a vital ecological element
Karvi, or Strobilanthes Callosa, is a rare shrub native to the Western Ghats, found in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the Nilgiris
Karvi is scientifically classified under the Strobilanthes family, with 46 out of its 350 species found in India
The shrub's life cycle involves seven years of dryness, followed by a spectacular mass flowering in the eighth year
Despite having poisonous leaves, Karvi is valued for its medicinal properties. Local communities utilize its stalks for thatching roofs and sturdy stems for hut construction
During its blooming period, Karvi produces a unique, thick honey, collected by locals. The honey is darker and thicker than other varieties, serving as a popular local delicacy
Karvi's vibrant bloom lasts for about two weeksduring the monsoon, occurring once every decade
It plays a crucial role in preventing soil erosionon sloping terrains and maintains water-carrying capacity in lakes around Mumbai
The dried fruits of Karvi burst openwith a pop during the monsoon, germinating new plants in the wet forest floor