Sahyadri range blushes purple

After a gap of seven years, the Karvy blooms again to the delight of nature lovers and trekkers.

NASHIK: The Sahyadri range has a purple hue these days, thanks to the Karvy flower. Botanically known as Strobilanthes Callosa, Karvy blooms once every seven years and is very popular with nature lovers and trekkers.

“Karvy grows on an elevation of 1000-1600 feet. You can see it bloom atop the hills of Basgadh, Anjaneri, Dhodap, Salher-Mulher in Nashik region,” says honorary wild life warden B Raha.

For the nature lover, the carpet of purple is very soothing to the eye. “It’s a marvelous sight and I felt rejuvenated,” said Prashant Pardeshi who trekked to Basgadh with his friends. “I did not know about Karvy. It was a pleasant surprise,” said Sourabh Ranade, a veteran trekker.

However, the Karvy is not about looks only, it also prevents soil erosion. Karvy is also used medically by the Adivasis.

“Karvy acts as a blood purifier. Application of crushed Karvy flowers can help treat bruises,” said Ayurved expert Vaidya Vikrant Jadhav.

Adivasis also use the Karvy to build their huts. Karvy stems, bound together with layers of mud and cow dung make for strong and sturdy walls.