This beginner's guide from the authoritative pen of Lawrie Metcalf forms an easy-to-grasp introduction to over 80 of New Zealand's best-known trees. Though free of jargon and extraneous information, the text is lucid and packed with all the key facts on shape and appearance, foliage, blossom and fruit details that will enable the layperson to identify the species they commonly see in bush, reserve and beyond. Each entry is accompanied by a succinct data panel and a full-page, full-colour portrait photograph plus on occasion, detail photographs of fruit, flowers, etc.

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