Colour photographs, Illustrations
432 pages, 248 x 170 mm
Publishers:
CSIRO PUBLISHING / Australian Biological Resources Study (ABRS)
Volume 44A of the Flora of Australia documents four subfamilies of the grass family Poaceae, describing 80 genera and 405 species.
The largest subfamily is the Pooideae, a predominantly temperate group with many annual species. It
includes the large endemic genus Austrostipa, an important component of native pastures, but one
which also contaminates wool and injures stock with its penetrating ‘seeds’. Poa, also largely endemic, grows mainly in southern areas of Australia, and is characteristic of higher altitudes. The subfamily also includes our most important grain crops, wheat, barley, rye and oats, and introduced temperate pasture grasses. There are also many weedy genera such as Briza and the economically significant Nassella.
The largely tropical Bambusoideae are poorly represented in Australia, with only three native species
and another three naturalised. Many ornamental species of ‘bamboo’ are grown in Australia, but few
have become naturalised. Also tropical is the subfamily Pharoideae. It includes Leptaspis, with its
strange inflated florets,the subject of the cover painting. The final subfamily, the Ehrhartoideae,
contains another important grain crop, rice, as well as the widespread weedy genus Ehrharta.
Only national descriptive and identification book to all the native or naturalised grasses in these subfamilies
Updated taxonomy, maps and descriptions, with several new species described
Copiously illustrated: nearly every genus is illustrated, 51 plates of line drawings and 64 colour photos
Massive cooperative effort by Australian and international botanists
Second descriptive volume in a projected set of four grass volumes
Plant taxonomists and plant physiologists; ecologists and ecological consultants; weed researchers and weed control officers; amateur and professional botanists; students; and those with a professional interest in the biology and distribution of grasses in Australia.
Correction
We regret that Ian Clarke was omitted as a contributing photographer (page ix):
Mr I. Clarke, c/- National Herbarium of Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens,
Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, Victoria 3141.
We regret that the following photographs have been incorrectly attributed:
Plate 1. Austrostipa variabilis. The photographer is Rosemary Purdie.
Plate 10. Avena sterilis. The photographer is Ian Clarke.
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