Everything you ever wanted to know about pohutukawa and rata trees from the award-winning author of 'Dancing Leaves: The story of New Zealand’s cabbage tree, ti kouka'. This book celebrates pohutukawa and rata trees. Symbols of summer and New Zealand’s unique natural environment, pohutukawa and rata have become beloved national icons. The book explores the place of these trees in the natural world, their importance to Maori, their role in art and design, and their many uses. It also looks at the threats from possums and people that they face today. The book contains a wealth of new research and is generously illustrated in colour with over 400 photographs, diagrams, maps, and artworks. This is an essential resource for conservationists, gardeners, teachers, and students. Winner Montana Medal for Non Fiction 2006.

Wnner Environment category of the Montana New Zealand Book Awards 2006.