Title: South Coast Ferns
Author: Dr Kevin Mills
Publisher: Envirobook
Release Date: 2023
Pages: 192
ISBN: 9780858810013
Illustrated: Colour photographs for all species
Indexed: Mixed scientific and common name index
Rating: * * * * *
Purchase from: Envirobooks
A complete guide to the ferns and fern allies of the NSW South Coast
The South Coast Ferns field guide fills a longstanding gap for fern afficionados to identify the ferns and fern allies of the South Coast of New South Wales.
This excellent book is well worth the purchase and has the right format to fit into your backpack.
Content
The introductory chapters detail the region of the South Coast included in the book, the ecosystems in which ferns can be found, and the number of species found. The author, Dr Kevin Mills, also gives a detailed explanation of the structure of a fern and of its allies.
Each of the 136 species found in the region has a separate page in the book. These are presented in alphabetical order by their scientific name. Each species is shortly described, and has a separate list of distinguishing features.
There are usually two photographs per species, one of the plant’s habit, and one with a detail of the fronds, usually with visible spores. There is also a species distribution map, a short habitat description, etymology, and a list of other regions where the plant also occurs.
At the end of the book a comprehensive bibliography makes sure you can find more information from other books. There is also an alphabetical list of fern families with their species. The back-of-book mixed subject and names index also includes common names.
Audience
This is a great book for both beginners and more experienced naturalists.
Key features
The best features of the book are the photographs and the list of distinguishing features. Both of these are essential to correctly identify the species.
Conclusion
Dr Kevin Mills has written a great book based on his extensive knowledge about the South Coast region of New South Wales. The book is quite complete in its presentation of South Coast ferns and the tools to identify them. Perhaps the one thing that could be added is a guide or key to help users start the identification process.
However, as all wild occurring South Coast ferns in the region are included and illustrated in the book (including a few naturalised non-native species), anyone interested in ferns will be able to identify the species they find using the images and descriptions.
A great addition to my bookshelf as well as a handy size for the backpack!
Purchase from: Envirobooks
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