Try free for 30 days

1 credit a month to buy any audiobook in our entire collection.
Access to thousands of additional audiobooks and Originals from the Plus Catalogue.
Member-only deals & discounts.
Auto-renews at $16.45/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

The Meaning of Trees

By: Robert Vennell
Pre-order free with Premium Plus

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Pre-order for $27.88

Pre-order for $27.88

Pay using voucher balance (if applicable) then card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions Of Use and Privacy Notice and authorise Audible to charge your designated credit card or another available credit card on file.

Publisher's Summary

The history and use of New Zealand's native plants

A guide and gift book in equal measure, this treasure of a book pays homage to New Zealand's native plant species.

The Meaning of Trees tells the story of plants and people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Beautifully illustrated with botanical drawings, paintings and photographs, it shows us how a globally unique flora has been used for food, medicine, shelter, spirituality and science. From Jurassic giants to botanical oddballs—these are our wonderful native and endemic plants.

Praise for The Meaning of Trees:

'Robert Vennell makes wandering through our bush seem like a visit to a giant shopping centre. Over there is the kawakawa store, offering everything from an aphrodisiac to a gonorrhoea cure. Next door is the tutu cafe, where you can enjoy delicious wine or a refreshing laxative (though the seeds are deadly). On the top floor is the matai bar, where the berries aren't to everyone's taste, but the bushman's beer is great. And round the corner is the miro health centre. Every plant has a story and the result is delightfully informative.'

Jim Eagles, Canvas

©2019 Robert Vennell (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers
activate_samplebutton_t1

What listeners say about The Meaning of Trees

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.