This book unravels the mysteries of identifying the 1 800 species of trees in southern Africa. The authors have categorised trees into 43 groups, using easy-to-observe characteristics such as leaf and berry or fruit size and shape, absence or presence of latex, or the presence or absence of thorns. In a logical series of steps, allied to the liberal use of diagrams, maps and images, the layperson or expert is able to quickly and easily isolate the main characteristics of a particular tree, and from there make a positive identification.

Braam van Wyk is a professor in the Department of Plant Science at the University of Pretoria. He is a plant taxonomist and has authored or co-authored numerous publications on the botany of southern Africa, including Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa and Field Guide to Trees Introduced into Southern Africa.