Regions: South India

A sedge most people fight as a weed, though its tuber is an old perfume material.

The monsoon green that grows itself — heat-proof, rain-proof, ready in a month.

A thick-leaved climbing spinach that thrives in the worst of the monsoon heat.

One good plant in a 40 cm pot out-yields four crowded ones. Stake it early.

One plant on a sill supplies a household, and crops for two years.

A long-season crop that rewards a big pot and steady feeding.

Summer staple for a sunny terrace; pick every second day or pods turn woody.

A monsoon climber that will roof a terrace in eight weeks given a frame.

Ridged monsoon gourd, quick to climb and quicker to over-mature.

A tough climber that fruits through the worst humidity of the year.