The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) has listed Neelakurinji ( Strobilanthes kunthiana) under Schedule III of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, including it on the list of protected plants.

• Those who uproot or destroy the plant will invite a fine of Rs 25,000 and three years’ imprisonment. The cultivation of Neelakurinji and its possession is not allowed, according to the order.
• Forest officials said Neelakurinji has been included on the list when the Centre expanded the earlier protected list of six plant species to 19.