Suburban and environmental weeds An identification and information system for south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales by Sheldon Navie Published in 2002 by CPITT University of Queensland Price $A54.00 plus $A7.00 postage within Australia, overseas postage please request a quote ISBN 1864995890 or ISBN 9781864995893 CD ROM ONLY (LuciD key)

Review

This interactive CD-ROM provides a means for the identification of weeds commonly found in suburban areas of south east Queensland. It is also applicable to nearby areas of northern New South Wales. The CD-ROM is based on the LucID identification system which provides a user friendly way of identifying plants from characteristics that are available to the user. LucID is a filtering key that eliminates species that do not match the characteristics available. As each characteristic is selected illustrations are provided that make the selection of the correct choice easy.

Fact sheets on each weed are also included and can be accessed via botanical or common names. The sheets provide information on the origin, habitat and a description of the weed for nearly 250 species. Distinguishing features are also detailed. Good quality photographs of a variety of growth stages are also included to aid identification.

While this key is not the ideal one to take with you on a hike, it is ideal for rapid and effective identification of the sample that you bring back from your excursion. Its design means that you do not have to have specific information to make an identification. If you are missing some important characteristics you can use others and that will generally lead you to the result you want.

Correct plant identification is the key to effective plant management. This tool will go a long way to bringing plant identification within the reach of everyone. While it relates specifically to a small area of Australia it will still be of value to others. The authors are to be commended and asked to please extend this key or produce more for other areas of Australia. (Review from Plant Protection Quarterly Volume 17 Issue 3).