Regions: Central India

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.

Bolts in heat, thrives in the cool months. Sow every fortnight for a steady supply.

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

Grows from a cutting in a glass of water. Keep it in its own pot — it will take over any other.

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

Drought-tolerant root herb for a hot sunny corner; needs almost nothing once established.

A climbing vine of the monsoon, long used in home remedies and generous with shade.

A fine-leaved climber with tuberous roots, happiest scrambling up a partly shaded wall.