The memoir is structured chronologically, but the content on Kankawa Knight's adult life, especially after the death of her husband, Jim Biendurry, is also organised thematically, with chapter titles like 'Music' and 'Travels'. Interest is created through the inclusion of diverse material: extracts from Kankawa Knight's personal writing; photographs; conversation with Damien Thornber; rudimentary maps; and excerpts from significant texts such as the Bringing Them Home Report (1997).

The strength of The Bauhinia Tree is its close fit with the personality of the subject. The lack of embellishment communicates humility, an effect enhanced by listening to Kankawa Knight's recordings.