Book excerpt: This third edition of Trees of Southern Africa has been updated, revised and expanded by Meg Coates Palgrave. It features new simplified keys based on leaf characteristics, and incorporates updated names, reclassifications and new species. All known indigenous trees and many naturalised aliens occurring in southern Africa, south of the Zambezi-Cunene rivers, are included. Accompanying the descriptions are comprehensively revised maps reflecting up-to-date distribution, and drawings of a characteristic leaf and / or fruit. Other features incllude English and Afrikaans common names, notes on medicinal or magical properties and an illustrated glossary. A comprehensive, user-friendly guide, it will appeal to tree enthusiasts and professional botanists across the sub-continent.