Goals: biodiversity

A slow, tough native tree for a hot courtyard, with fruit that makes the summer sherbet.

The wild tulsi — taller, camphor-scented and perennial where winters are mild.

A small shady-forest shrub, historically important and now scarce in the wild.

A cement tub of still water on a terrace becomes a dragonfly and frog habitat in one season.

Compact evergreen with flower heads butterflies work all morning.

A fast native shade tree with scented ball flowers, and a favourite of city birds.

Peppery leaves in five weeks, and yellow flowers for the bees if you let a few stalks run on.

Host plant for tiger butterflies — plant one and the caterpillars arrive on their own.

A slow, tough native tree for a hot courtyard, with fruit that makes the summer sherbet.

A hardy monsoon spreader with long traditional use, easy to grow and valuable for small insects.