Tree Encounters : Portraits and Stories from South Africa

Compiled by Ruth Parker and showcasing Brita Lomba's evocative photographs, this collection pays tribute to our oldest living companions: the majestic trees that grace South Africa's wild and urban spaces, nourishing our intricate, often fragile ecosystems.

Compiled by Ruth Parker and showcasing Brita Lomba's evocative photographs, this collection pays tribute to our oldest living companions: the majestic trees that grace South Africa's wild and urban spaces, nourishing our intricate, often fragile ecosystems. South Africans from a range of backgrounds - writers, conservationists, historians and tree lovers of all stripes - offer intimate tales of their encounters with these extraordinary beings: from forest giants to shade-giving childhood companions, from urban landmarks to remote desert dwellers, from mighty baobabs to storied vines. Each account distils the essence of a beloved tree and shows how its long life is interwoven with human culture and history. The branches of this diverse selection bear rich fruits for readers with a passion for nature, history or photography. Tree Encounters is a moving homage to these quiet, powerful mainstays of the natural world - and a compelling plea for their protection.