Regions: West 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.

Plant a knob of market haldi in June; harvest your own in February.

The same trick as turmeric, in slightly more shade and slightly less time.

A clump of scented grass that mosquitoes avoid and tea drinkers cannot do without.

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

The pennywort of damp corners; spreads by runners and asks for shade and moisture.