New Zealand has a unique and attractive native plant life that is of interest to everyone from gardeners and trampers to students of botany and ecology. In Know Your New Zealand Native Plants Lawrie Metcalf introduces a selection of the most interesting, iconic and important New Zealand plants, spanning latitudes from subtropical to temperate, and altitudes from sea level to alpine mountaintop, describing their natural history and distinguishing features.

Lawrie Metcalf was one of New Zealand's leading horticulturists and specialised in native plants. A former assistant director of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and director of parks and recreation for the Invercargill City Council, he was the International Registrar for cultivars of the genus Hebe. His many national and international honours include the Royal Horticultural Society's Gold Veitch Memorial Medal. He wrote 11 books