Regions: North India

Orchid-like flowers in February, and buds that go into the north-Indian kitchen.

Huge red cups in February that feed every bird in the neighbourhood at once.

A fast native shade tree with scented ball flowers and city birds in it.

A cement tub of still water becomes a dragonfly habitat in one season.

The national flower — a big tub, full sun and patience is all it takes.

The white frangipani of temple gardens, tougher than the pink and just as scented.

Flowers open white and turn crimson over three days; scents a whole verandah.

Blue butterfly pea — a light climber that fixes nitrogen and makes blue tea.

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

The desert milkweed, smaller than gigantea and even tougher.