Biodiversity

A living library of the diverse plants, insects and animals that shape, support, and sustain our regenerative forest ecosystem.

At The Zakoji Farm, diversity isn’t just a feature, it’s the foundation. Every plant we grow plays a role in a greater ecological symphony: some fix nitrogen, others climb, some shield the soil, and many feed not just us, but the entire web of life. We don’t select species based on trends or yield alone, we select for function, harmony, and resilience.

This section catalogs the plants that make up our living system, each carefully chosen to support our closed-loop, soil-first, truth-seeking approach to farming. From towering canopy trees to humble ground covers, this biodiversity isn’t just beautiful, it’s intentional, interdependent, and regenerative.

And with this vibrant plant life comes a thriving world of insects, birds, and animals. Pollinators hover between blooms, predators keep pests in check, and small mammals and reptiles move quietly through the understory. We see butterflies resting on lemongrass, frogs singing from the compost, and birds nesting in the arms of neem and mango. None of it is separate. The biodiversity of species above the soil is inseparable from the life teeming below it.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list. We’ll continue updating it with more plants, insects, birds, and animals over time.

Canopy

Mango

A beloved fruit and dense canopy provider, supporting shade and microclimates.

Neem

Known as 'nature's pharmacy', neem trees offer powerful pest-repelling benefits.

Jamun

Its deep roots stabilize soil, while the fruit is prized for diabetic health benefits.

Coconut

A multifunctional tree: water, oil, fiber, and mulch - all in one species.

Jackfruit

One of the largest tree-borne fruits, a resilient food source and shade provider.

Red Sandalwood

A hardy deciduous tree valued for its rich red timber and soil-enriching leaf litter; supports biodiversity in dry landscapes.

Sub-Canopy

Guava

Fast-growing, nutrient-dense fruit tree that supports mid-level forest layers.

Curry Leaf

Essential in Indian cooking and a low-maintenance aromatic sub-canopy companion.

Moringa

The 'miracle tree' - every part is edible and packed with nutrients.

Mulberry

Loved by silkworms and humans alike; berries and leaves support biodiversity.

Papaya

Quick-growing and fruit-bearing; also helps accelerate compost breakdown.

Lemon

Zesty fruit and a pollinator favorite with fragrant blooms.

Herbs and Shrubs

Red Banana

A striking banana cultivar with reddish skin and sweeter fruit, offering quick biomass and rich mulch for food forests.

Lemongrass

A fragrant grass used in herbal teas and natural pest repellent, it thrives as a border plant and soil protector.

Banana

Fast-growing, nutrient-dense fruit tree that supports mid-level forest layers.

Areca Palm

A graceful, clumping palm that adds vertical texture, filters air, and thrives in filtered sunlight.

Miracle Berry

This small shrub produces berries that make sour foods taste sweet, offering both novelty and nutritional value.

Nitrogen Fixers

Ice Cream Bean

A nitrogen-fixing tree with sweet, cottony pods loved by children and pollinators alike - supporting soil fertility and biodiversity.

Pigeon Pea

A multipurpose legume shrub that fixes nitrogen, provides protein-rich pulses, and offers excellent support in young food forests.

Casuarina

A fast-growing, wind-tolerant tree known for stabilizing sandy soils and fixing nitrogen and enhancing phosphorus levels.

Groundcover

Singapore Daisy

A fast-spreading groundcover with bright yellow blooms, excellent for suppressing weeds and conserving soil moisture.

Pineapple

A low-growing, fruit-bearing bromeliad that thrives in sun, improves soil cover, and adds tropical sweetness.