THE TWELVE-YEAR BLOOM

The lush green countryside of the Horton Plains, is dotted with tiny flowers in blue, white, pink and yellow. These intricate little beauties are called Nelu flowers. Unlike other flowers, what is so special about these delicate little flowers is that they only bloom once in twelve years. Early January is the time for them to bloom, and visitors to the Horton Plains can be amazed at how the flowers have beautified the Plains at this time of the year! These flowers were first discovered by British National, Thomas Far in 1881, when he was living on the Horton Plains. According to Mr. Far, he spotted the flowers in 1883 and then again in 1905. Scientists have determined that these flowers bloom every twelve years and last for only two weeks. There are 31 species of Nelu in Sri Lanka, out of which 26 varieties are endemic to Sri Lanka. This means that these particular types of Nelu can only be found in Sri Lanka. How amazing is that! According to experts the Nelu flowers last bloomed in 2013, but are at this moment in bloom on the Horton Plains, turning the otherwise green and rugged landscape into amazing hues of blue and white. Experts have concluded that the changes in the climate, the temperature and excessive rainfall might have triggered an early bloom, this year. Visitors who are in that area are able to tour these fields at the times specified. Access to the Horton Plains is under strict supervision, to maintain the beauty and natural authenticity of the fields. Unfortunately these beautiful flowers only last two weeks, therefore after this crop they are once again expected to bloom in 2025. Rather than wait another 12 years, please do go and check out the wonders of our beautiful island, especially the flower that visits us only once in 12 years.