What's new and coming from RG and FJ Richardson:

Updated web site:

Weedinfo web site is being upgraded. The page layout has been changed to make the site more compatible with search engines. Also a search engine is being added to this site which will enable viewers to quickly find the items they are interested in. The site will be gradually changed over the next few weeks. The content of the site and major functions however, will remain unchanged.

New book from RG and FJ Richardson:

Pretty but poisonous Plants poisonous to people - an illustrated guide for Australia By R.C.H. Shepherd ISBN 0958743991, published in 2004 by R.G. and F.J. Richardson, colour, gatefold cover, 202 pages Price $A39.95 plus $A10 postage within Australia or $A30 overseas airmail

Pretty but Poisonous is written for home and landscape gardeners, parents, child carers, grounds maintenance staff, bush walkers and all those who enjoy the great outdoors, to help identify plants that may cause poisoning, allergies or skin reactions in people.

The book uses easy-to-understand language and colour photographs to aid plant identification. It includes hints on how to avoid plant poisoning and what to do if poisoning does occur. A simple colour coding system has been used to establish how toxic each plant is - very poisonous, poisonous, allergenic or irritant. The book also details which parts of the plant are poisonous and the toxins that are likely to be encountered, as well as symptoms of poisoning. All these plants are found in Australia.

About the author

Ros Shepherd gained her Master of Science degree from The University of Queensland in 1966 and Master of Agricultural Science degree from The University of Melbourne in 1984. She spent many years as a Senior Entomologist at the Keith Turnbull Research Institute in Frankston, Victoria working on the biological control of pest plants and animals, which included research in South Africa.

Ros has been actively involved in the Weed Society of Victoria and Council of Australian Weed Societies for many years. Her other recent publications include The Biology of Australian Weeds series and Plants of Importance to Australia: a Checklist. She is a keen gardener and bush walker and now spends much of her time travelling, in Australia and around the world, photographing plants.