Author(s): David L. Jones

Gardening/Farming

Until now there has been no well-illustrated book available on Australian native lilies and their relatives, so this latest exciting addition to our growing series of concise field guides is much needed. The ultimate keep-in-your-pocket guide to the subject, it may be diminutive in size but it punches well above its weight in terms of usefulness, being packed with more than 280 images. Visitors to the bush might be familiar with many of the plants covered, including irises, milkmaids, squills, stars, bloodroots, Christmas bells, leeks, flags, cottonheads, catspaws, kangaroo paws, aroids and various types of lilies. This small book contains 180 species of Australian native petaloid monocots in 52 genera, which is a good sample of the species found in this remarkable continent. For each species there is at least one photograph showing the plant and a brief written account listing key ID features, size, habitat and range. In many cases there are additional images showing important features such as leaves, flowers and fruit. The easy-to-use layouts and small size make the book ideal for taking on days out or walks in the bush. It is perfect for beginners or nature-lovers of an intermediate level, and also for children as a first book on Australian lilies and their relatives.