Rare flower blooms in India: 26-08-2008
Nature lovers are heading to Mumbai in India to see a flower that blooms once every eight to ten years.
The Karvy flower, which blooms in bright purple, can grow up to eight feet and is mainly found in the low hills on India's west coast, the BBC reports.
As well as looking pretty, the plant has several benefits to locals.
The juice from the flower is used for medicinal purposes while the stems are used for thatched buildings.
But the blooms, which occur rarely, attract locals and travellers from all over the world.
Julius Rego, a local businessman, said that the flowers attract multiple butterflies, bees and other insects.
"To sit amid these flowers for some time gives such joy," he explained.
The plant is covered with fruit when it finishes flowering and as the fruits begin to absorb moisture they burst open.
It comes to life before the Monsoon season only to be left dry and dead-looking as the rains finish.
On the eighth year it springs into life.