Grassland Flora: a field guide for the Southern Tablelands (NSW and ACT)

Abstract

There has been a recent flurry of field guides to grassy ecosystems in southeastern Australia, and all the publications have been excellent. This attractive field guide is no exception. It is a spiral-bound A-sized booklet, ideal for the glovebox or the backpack. It is easy to use for both the novice and expert, with colour coding separating sections on grasses, rushes and sedges, lilies, orchids, forbs, ferns, shrubs and trees. Within each life form section entries are alphabetical for grasses and sedges, but generally species are grouped together based on the colour of their flowers. And an excellent addition is the inclusion of weeds ? many interested users will be very pleased to sort out which species are native or not ? often a challenge in grasslands! The text is informative and uses non-technical language. It is most helpful to have notes on similar species and how to tell the difference. Large colour symbols clearly indicate if a species is annual, exotic, noxious or threatened. Brief management notes are also very practical and informative. A short glossary and explanation of terms also makes this a useful guide, especially for beginners. A brief but adequate introduction outlines the conservation plight of native grasslands, and gives information on threatened plant species and plant communities, grassland animals and management of grassy ecosystems. This is an excellent publication, very comprehensive, great value and useable throughout southeastern Australia. Every time I have had my copy in the field a landowner has grabbed it, and then several of their mates ring up for a copy too.