Noosa’s Native Plants

by Stephanie Haslam

Published by Noosa Integrated Catchment Association Inc.

Soft cover, full colour, 392 pages

Reviewed by Jan Sked

The Noosa area is home to many different plant communities. This book is divided into ten broad vegetation categories and includes about 500 of the better-known plants. Each chapter begins with a short description of a plant community and where to find examples of this community within the Noosa area. Where species occur in more than one vegetation type, this is noted. Plants are arranged alphabetically within the chapters using botanical names, but with common names included, where known.

Throughout most of the book, there are two species featured on each page, with two to three photographs to illustrate each species. Eucalyptus, Corymbia, Lophostemon and Syncarpia species are also illustrated with drawings by botanical artist, Janet Hauser.

There is a guide to the pronunciation of the botanical names, and the derivation of these names is also included to add interest for the reader. Symbols are used to indicate various features of each plant – bird attracting, butterfly host plant, landscaping potential, koala trees, traditional aboriginal use.

Local people have added articles on their subjects of expertise and these are inserted between the chapters. Towards the end of the book is a chapter on environmental weeds accompanied by photographs.

The design and layout of the book are very pleasing and professional. There is the odd spelling mistake and taxonomic blooper, but overall these are insignificant when compared to the enormous amount of information packed into the 392 pages. My only real criticism is the quality of the photographic reproduction. Many of the photographs are “washed out”, losing sharpness of detail and depth of colour.

Otherwise, this is a book that can be recommended to anyone with an interest in the natural environment, especially in coastal southern Queensland. Price: $48.00.