Abstract:

For each species there is a general description followed by a detailed description of habit, bark, leaves, flowers and fruit. As far as possible, technical botanical terms have been kept to a minimum. The features in bold type indicate the special points to look for when identifying a species. It may not always be possible to identify a species from the descriptive text alone, but it is anticipated that, together with the illustrations and the vernacular names, the descriptions will prove a practical guide to species identification in the field. Under this heading attention has been focused on management of individual tress in a farming or pastoral context. Thus, normal forestry operations such as clearing, thinning and pruning are not covered. For information on these aspects, the reader should consult standard forestry handbooks. Whether or not a species is suitable for intercropping with agricultural crops is indicated as is information on whether the species does will if planted as a woodlot or pure forest stand.