Regions: Central India

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

An unfussy evergreen shrub with white throated flowers that carpenter bees work.

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.

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.