(What is the world"s smallest tree, and where is it found?How do trees attract birds to pollinate their flowers?Which tree"s bark was used by North American Indians for making canoes?Why have tropical trees evolved special buttress roots?Which coniferous trees are deciduous?What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?All these questions, and more, are answered in TREE, an outstanding and original new EYEWITNESS GUIDE to every aspect of the fascinating world of trees.Trees form one of the most impressive and beautiful parts of the natural landscape, reflecting the changing seasons in their growth. Yet because of their height, many parts of these giants of the plant world are rarely seen close-up. This dazzling collection of specially commissioned photographs reveals all the beauty and variety of tree leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds and bark. Many of thespecimens featured are live, while some of the tropical material comes from specialist museum collections; all are reproduced with such clarity that you can almost feel their textures on the page.Starting with a look at the different parts of a tree,and examining the different characteristics of broadleaved, coniferous and tropical trees, TREE goes on to explore how trees grow, how their buds, flowers, leave"s, bark, fruit and cones develop, what animals, insects and plants live onand beneath them, what causes trees to die, and how trees are cut for timber.Produced in association with the Natural History Museum, London, TREE provides a compelling introduction to the life of a tree as it develops from a tiny seed into a mature specimen. It is anexceptionally beautiful and informative visual guide to the natural history and hidden life of trees from around the world)