Regions: South India

The sanjeevani of the rocks — curls up bone dry, then greens again in an hour of rain.

A white-backed fern that colonises damp walls and cut slopes on its own.

Fan-shaped leaflets on black wiry stalks — the fern of a shaded bathroom window.

The kopou phul of Assam — hanging foxtail sprays, and the flower of Bihu.

The squash that covers a whole roof in one season across the eastern hills.

The kodo of the Deccan and central hills — drought-proof and long-storing.

A rosette epiphyte that grows on a tree fork or a shaded wall bracket.

Flame-red reflexed petals on a climbing lily — the state flower of Tamil Nadu.

The souring fruit of Kerala fish curry, dried black and kept all year.

The Malabar nutmeg of swampy Ghats forest — a myristica swamp indicator species.