Unique species of the Nilgiris
Nilgiris Lily Proposed as District Flower: The Nilgiri lily (Lilium wallichianum var. neilgherrense) is a rare flower found only in the Nilgiris and the Palani hills. It is highly valued by ecologists because of its restricted habitat and short blooming season.
Blooming cycle
This flower blooms for just three weeks in late August. The blooming occurs in remote high-altitude grasslands that remain largely inaccessible. The short life span and fragile ecosystem make it more vulnerable to external threats.
Decline in population
Researchers have noted a steady decline in the flower’s population. Grazing by livestock, spread of invasive plant species, and the impact of climate change are the main causes. The changing rainfall pattern in the Western Ghats further affects its regeneration.
Call for district flower status
Experts and botanists have urged the Tamil Nadu government to declare the Nilgiri lily as the district flower of the Nilgiris. Such recognition would help in creating awareness, securing legal protection, and boosting conservation efforts.
Lessons from Manipur
A similar step was taken earlier in Manipur, where the Shirui lily was declared the state flower. This recognition brought greater visibility, research, and protective measures for the species. Ecologists argue that the Nilgiri lily deserves similar attention.
Importance of high-altitude grasslands
The high-altitude grasslands of the Western Ghats are biodiversity hotspots. These grasslands provide critical ecosystem services such as water retention and soil protection. Conserving endemic flowers like the Nilgiri lily also helps safeguard the larger ecosystem.
Static GK fact: The Nilgiris district is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India’s first biosphere reserve established in 1986.
Static GK tip: Tamil Nadu’s state flower is the Gloriosa superba, also called the Flame lily.
Way forward
Declaring the Nilgiri lily as the district flower could be the first step towards conservation. Along with official recognition, measures like habitat restoration, restriction of grazing, and removal of invasive species are needed to secure its survival.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Nilgiris Lily Proposed as District Flower:
| Topic | Detail |
| Species name | Lilium wallichianum var. neilgherrense |
| Common name | Nilgiri lily |
| Location | Nilgiris and Palani hills |
| Blooming season | Late August, around three weeks |
| Threats | Grazing, invasive species, climate change |
| Conservation proposal | Declared as Nilgiris’ district flower |
| Similar example | Shirui lily declared as Manipur’s state flower |
| Ecosystem | High-altitude grasslands of Western Ghats |
| Biosphere reserve | Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, 1986 |
| Tamil Nadu state flower | Gloriosa superba (Flame lily) |
