I suggest the new edition of Fairley & Moore. Here is a recent review
Native Plants of the Sydney Region.
Alan Fairley and Philip Moore. 3rd Ed. Allen and Unwin. 624 pages. RRP $60
My original copy of the first (1989) edition of this classic is
much-battered, despite its plastic covering. This is because, despite it
being an A4-sized hardback, I have always used it as a field guide. And
although it limits itself to the area from Nowra to Newcastle, and inland to
include all the Blue Mountains, I always take it to areas south of that. I
missed the second edition (2002), so am even more ready than I would have
been for this landmark reissue. Nor is this in any way just a reprint; it
represents a total rewrite, taking into account the rapidly-changing
taxonomic understandings in some groups. (What to adopt of these changes is
a vexed issue for an author of any field guide of course, and must be
subjective. With regard to orchids they have, somewhat courageously, opted
to go for David Jones' breakup of Caladenia, but not Pterostylis. The
rationale for this is not offered.) Another significant change is in the
size; while it is still a decidedly chunky lump of a book, it is now A5 ie
only half the dimensions, and very suitable for a backpack. While the blurb
claims 'many new photographs', some random sampling suggests that at least
since 1989 they have all been replaced, and the quality is generally good.
While I have long been on record as preferring well-painted illustrations
for a field guide over photos, I must admit that the task of so illustrating
1400 species would be a daunting - and expensive - one. If you have an
interest in plants, and spend a reasonable part of your time in the area
north-east of Canberra, I think you need this book; this is certainly true
if you own the first edition, but if you have the 2002 version you might
like to have a look to see if you think it's worth it. My old one is about
to enter a restful retirement, and itsyounger sibling will be getting a
thorough workout, starting very soon!
Ian Fraser is a Canberra-based professional naturalist
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