Trees: From Root to Leaf — By Paul Smith

“There are many books published on trees, but none quite like this one. The focus on trees from biological, ecological, and cultural perspectives; the array of diverse examples; and the excellence in design and illustration—all paired with the author’s considerable personal experience—make this book stand out.”

— Sir Peter Crane, author of Ginkgo: The Tree That Time Forgot

"Smith's stunning prose and fabulous illustrations make his book, Trees, an essential volume for both tree lovers and tree professionals. He not only celebrates trees, but also interweaves amazing facts and essential biology about these essential woody denizens of our planet. From seeds to leaves and form, bark, wood, flowers, and fruits, the book is an inspirational journey through the stories of diverse trees, and their impact on humankind. I loved it!"

— Margaret Lowman, Executive Director, TREE Foundation

Trees provoke deep affection, spirituality, and creativity.

They cover about a third of the world’s land and play a crucial role in our environmental systems—influencing the water, carbon, and nutrient cycles and the global climate.

This puts trees at the forefront of research into mitigating our climate emergency; we cannot understate their importance in shaping our daily lives and our planet’s future. 

In this lavishly illustrated book, ecologist Paul Smith, presents trees like never seen before, including the science, art, and culture of trees. He celebrates all that trees have inspired across nearly every human culture throughout history.

Trees: From Root to Leaf has more than 450 images, and it is organized according to tree life cycle — from seeds and leaves to wood, flowers, and fruit. It celebrates  the great diversity and beauty of the 60,000 tree species that inhabit our planet.

Surprising photography and infographics will inspire readers, illustrating intricate bark and leaf patterns, intertwined ecosystems, colorful flower displays, archaic wooden wheels and timber houses.

Trees: From Root to Leaf is a stunning compendium, illuminating science, conservation, and art.

It reveals the fundamental and fragile nature of trees and their interdependence, which will help readers more deeply understand the forest without losing sight of the magnificent trees.

THE DETAILS

FORMAT: New, hardcover

PUBLISHED: November 13, 2022

PUBLISHER: University of Chicago Press

ISBN: 9780226824178

PAGES: 320

DIMENSIONS:  11.1 inches H x 9.1 inches W x 1.4 inches T

RATING: ★★★★★ (See FAQs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul Smith, PhD., is secretary-general of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). BGCI is the largest plant conservation network in the world, comprising more than 850 member institutions in 120 countries. 

BGCI leads the Global Tree Assessment and recently published the “State of the World’s Trees Report” showing that one-third of the world’s 60,000 tree species are threatened with extinction.

Prior to joining BGCI, Smith was head of the Millennium Seed Bank of the Kew Royal Botanic Garden in London.  He also was the editor of The Book of Seeds.