A detailed, accessible introduction looks at the origins of trees, how they have evolved over time and the ways in which they have adapted to suit the variety of terrains in which they thrive. Each of a tree's constituent parts - bark, trunk, leaves, needles, cones, flowers, and fruit are looked at in detail and the author discusses the role each plays in the tree's survival. Finally the variety of habitats in which trees proliferate, from redwood forests to desert plains are included. The second section of the book is an encyclopedia of the most common, popular, prolific or unusual trees found in tropical and temperate America. Interesting features are discussed and photographic details of many trees are included.