Regions: Central India

A woody climber of the dry deccan, slow but very long-lived on a trellis.

A slight winter annual of dry western fields, grown for the husk of its seed.

A dry-country shrub with yellow flowers, tough enough for a Rajasthan roof.

Fine blue-white flowers over ferny leaves, then the black seed of the spice box.

Feathery winter foliage, then umbels that hoverflies and small wasps work all day.

A winter annual of the north-west, grown for the thyme-scented seed.

A slender twiner of scrub and hedges, with fragrant roots and small dark flowers.

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.

Thick scented leaves on a succulent stem; one plant fills a windowsill pot for years.