Topli Karvi - the bride which blooms every seven years!
Topli Karvi, or Strobilanthes callosa as it is commonly known in the scientific community, is a wild mountain flower found mainly in the Western Ghats of India. However, that's not interesting part of its story - the interesting bit is that Topli Karvi blooms only once in seven years, and only for about 15-20 days.
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| Topli Karvin in bloom |
One of the best places to see the blooming in action is the Kaas Plateau in Maharashtra, and this is the year when the flower is in full bloom there. In fact, after 2015 the other such large scale blooming will happen only after seven years in 2022. In fact some sub-species of this flower bloom once in 16 years!
At Kaas there is a very specific time when the flower blooms - late September or early October. The pink and white buds bear bright purple flower, which can cover large areas and make the entire floor is combination of green and purple. It's a gorgeous view and can easily captivate anyone.
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| Fields of Topli Karvi |
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| A spider enjoying a feast on Karvi branch |
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| Another close view of Karvi flower |
Why is it called Topli Karvi?
The variety of Karvi found here is also locally known as Topli Karvi, which roughly translates into Karvi with a cap. This is due to the round and mushroom-like formation of the plant. This is unique and found only on this side of Western Ghats, mainly in and around Kaas.
In wind the topli of Karvi sways beautifully, but if the wind is particularly strong, the plant gets completely flattened out as well.
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| The typical Topli of Karvi |
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| The flattened Topli! |
After the flower blooms, it dies out in about 15-20 days and the cycle of growth restarts. After flowering, the plant is covered with fruits which pop with a loud sound loafer and spread the seed. A new life begins as the seeds spread on the first floor.
After seven more years, Karvi blooms once again!
If you want to catch Karvi in bloom this year and not in 2022, you need to go NOW! The blooming season is still on and you can see Karvi spreading it's beauty all over the Kaas Plateau.
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| Karvi - from a distance |
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| Karvi - getting closer |
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| Karvi - from very close |
I did a trek several years back where we were fortunate to be surrounded by Karvi blooms! Had no idea about all the facts you shared... This particular varsity looks beautiful and so interesting too.
ReplyDeleteI agree...a large spread looks so beautiful! :)
DeleteHow interesting! I learnt something new today. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Ratna :)
DeleteBeautiful flowers. I like this color very much.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rajesh - me too :)
DeleteI have been wanting to go to Kaas for years now.. somehow, it just doesnt work out. and seeing your pics makes me want to go all the more... and yet... sigh... just hope the place stays as it is for years more, so i can at least hope to see them someday.
ReplyDeletePlease plan next year for sure Anuradha - its still quite beautiful, despite the number of people visiting :)
DeleteLooks gorgeous. 2022 seems far!
ReplyDeleteYes man 2022 is far far away! :)
DeleteAfter returning from the Valley of Flowers, they now attract me more. Sad that I will be missing the opportunity in 2015 as I will be heading for my next destination, Thar desert.... Interesting story and great pics!
ReplyDeleteHave fun at Thar Anupam :)
DeleteGreat to read, So Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rupam! The place is lovely indeed :)
DeleteBeautiful pics! Kaas has been on my list for so long - don't know when I will make it. btw, there is a similar flower, locally called kurinji, that blooms in the Nilgiris (scientific name Strobilanthes Kunthiana)
ReplyDeleteYou must visit it - and I think despite the mad rush there, it's still worthwhile to go. Make sure you have a naturalist with you when you go though...
DeleteSaw lots of Kaarvi blooming near Mulshi the other day :) Though not topli Kaarvi, all the hills were covered in a carpet of purple flowers! Beautiful photos btw
ReplyDeleteMust have been a lovely view Kshitija :)
DeleteWas searching about Topli Karvi and Kaas Plateau and landed here! I might ping you for more info :) Planning a trip.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Amazing Pictures.
Thanks so much! Do ping if you need more information :)
Deleteकारवी आत्ता पालघरजवळील अशेरीगडावर फुलली आहे.
ReplyDeleteकारवी आत्ता पालघरजवळील अशेरीगडावर फुलली आहे.
ReplyDeleteA lot are blooming near Film City & BNHS Goregaon this year. So chance for those who missed last year...
ReplyDeleteWe have visited kaas yesterday. But we saw only bushes of it.we didn't saw flowers 😞
ReplyDeleteWe have visited kaas yesterday. But we saw only bushes of it.we didn't saw flowers 😞
ReplyDeleteI have been visiting this place from last 3 years. Its always been special to me. If yo go ahead from kaas plateau, you can explore 3 - tiered unexplored waterfall of Bhambivali.
ReplyDelete