Identification starts with the Leaf Check List - an approximate classifcation based on leaf shape; this narrows down your choices, but you still have to wade through what might be quite a long list of possibilities. There’s a conventional dichotomous key to the pine family.

The species entries are generally three to a page and consist of description, two pictures, and icons denoting: leaf-shape, approximate distribution (some of which include Britain), whether it’s introduced, has its bark illustrated in the Barks section or its use in the "Uses" appendix. Icons always discourage the casual user and here they’re as non-intuitive as ever.

The barks section at the back shows a range of barks and is followed by an appendix of uses to man.

The mixture of species is a little unusual and perhaps stretches the concept of bushes with bamboos, agaves, prickly pears, honeysuckle and bananas.