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.

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.