Ceropegia Shivrayiana

About Ceropegia Shivrayiana:

• It is a flowering plant species named in a nod to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• The plant was discovered on one of his renowned forts, Vishalgad.
• It consists of unique, tubular flowers, which are specially adapted to attract moths for pollination.
• Habitat: This plant thrives in rocky terrains and is capable of growing in less nutrient-or poor soils.
• It belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family, which includes many medicinal plants, with significant ecological importance.
• Threats: Its conservation is essential due to the ongoing threat of habitat loss.

Key facts about Vishalgad Fort

• It is an ancient fort situated at Vishalgad village in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra.
• Also called Khelna or Khilna by the locals, Vishalgad Fort was one of the important forts of the Maratha Empire.
• It was built in the year 1058 by Shilahara king Marsinh and was initially known as Khilgil.
• The fort was under the rule of Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri, Allauddin Khilji, the Vijayanagar Empire,and then the Adil Shahi
• In 1659, Shivaji captured the fort from Adil Shah and renamed the fort 'Vishalgad'.
• Famous structures in the fort
  • The famous Dargah of Hazrat Sayed Malik Rehan Meera Saheb, which is visited by thousands of tourists, is located in the fort.
  • Temples: Amruteshwar Temple, Shri Nrusinha Temple, and Sati`s Vrindavan.