Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) bloooms

Strobilanthes

Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) is a shrub that used to grow abundantly in the shola grasslands of the Western Ghats. An unphilosophical claim is often made that the 'blue mountains' of 'nilgiris' descend their name from the richness of this plant received on these terrains. I saw bees burst with happiness and pollen. They are so happy because, they get huge quantity of scrumptious nectar from these lurid purple flowers.
Neelakurinji that blossoms gregariously only once in 12 years so now this can't be a gregarious flowering! This is August 2012, last gregarious flowering happened in 2006 so... I don't know..

Blue mountains- Photo Vinayan. P. A.

Bee and Resin

Euaspis carbonaria (A Megachilid - Leaf cutting Bee)

Among the social insects, many bees, especially in the tropics, collect and use resins as a nest-building material (Roubik 1989). In tropical regions where resinous plants are more abundant, bees simply exploit this commonly available resource for structural benefits.This is most likely the case in colonies of some ants and honey bees where a few individuals collect and return to the nest with loads of resin to use in the nest interior.
The bee in the picture was shot while collecting resin from a canarium strictum tree from the forest in May 2012.

Unveiling the Marvel of Apis florea

While accompanying the village elder of Punanjanur on a nature walk, we stumbled upon an extraordinary sight – a colony of Apis florea, a diminutive yet resilient species of wild honey bee, clinging precariously to a tiny twig. These tiny creatures, native to southern and southeastern Asia, construct their nests from a single comb, the upper portion of which expands into a crest, forming a natural honey pot.

Masamma, a barefoot ecologist and esteemed elder from the village, guides countless children (and me) through the wonders of the forest, sharing her profound knowledge and deep connection with nature. For many years, she has educated and sustainably harvested wild honey and medicinal plants, utilizing their gifts for the well-being of her community.