Each species (except for a few which are leafless) is accompanied by a line illustration of its leaf as an aid to identification. It is a testimony to Wendy and Bill Coopers' passion for the Australian rainforest that has resulted in this fine book, bestowing the reader with art of unparalleled beauty alongside meticulous scientific research and expertise.

The book has been divided into two sections, Gymnosperms (non flowering plants) and Angiosperms (flowering plants). For easy referencing, these sections have been laid out in alphabetical order of family, genera and species. This method of presentation is ideal for botanists or general readers who are interested in the fruiting plants of Australian tropical rainforests. There are keys to the families, genera and species and the meaning of every botanical name is explained.

Their dedicated work will have a tremendous impact on the future of environmental sustainability as we gain knowledge of the fragile ecological balance within our rainforests and ways to maintain them for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. Looking through this magnificent volume, one cannot help but be impressed by the academic and scientific importance of the text in combination with such a dazzling collection of paintings. It is indeed a book of art as well as a book of science.

William T. Cooper AO is Australia’s leading natural history artist. In 1990 he was awarded the Philadelphia Academy of Science (USA) Gold Medal, and in 1994 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his contribution to art and to ornithology. A collection of his original paintings is owned by the National Library of Australia and many others are in private collections around the world.