Do you know how many species of plants can be found in the inlay of the Taj Mahal in Agra?” It is the first question that Kitayun Rustom, co-founder of CERE (Centre for Environmental Research and Education), asks us when we meet her at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS).

(Left) The gigantic Taro leaves are used to make the Gujarati delicacy, patra; (right) Hadjod, which looks like human joints, is used to heal fractures. It is known to reduce the pain and inflammation of joints