One of the principles of permaculture is that every plant should have multiple uses (at least 3? Is this the same as "Stacking Functions"?[verification needed])
As well as the obvious and important use of providing food in various forms, they may provide other functions, such as:
- herbs, which add a lot of flavor and pleasure to the experience of eating, make simple and healthy food taste better (which can save money through buying more simple, basic foods rather than pre-prepared flavored foods), are best used fresh from the garden, and are best available on a whim, rather than having to plan and buy ahead.
- insect repellents: some herbs also repel insects.
- shade: under a fruit trees can be a great place to sit, especially in summer.
- companion plants: This is the belief/principle that certain plants grow better together.
- enriching the soil, through nitrogen fixation, organic matter or encouraging soil organisms
- attractive and fragrant flowers and leaves. These can be pleasing to people, and stimulate local biodiversity (attract/maintain pollinators)
- another type of food, from a different plant part, or the same plant part at a different stage of maturity.
Plants which are well known for one purpose sometimes have other valuable uses which are neglected. For example: