Aussie native plants A-Z by Joey Farrell, Jocelyn Gibson (illus.)

A compilation of Australian plants and flowers is shown in this book. B, for example is for Boab tree and we are presented with a one-page summary of this tree. An illustration takes up most of the page which shows the plant in question in its environment. On one side is a close up of its flower and fruit. Boab trees are numerous across the Northern part of Australia, an area which has extremes of temperature and rainfall, which suits this plant well. A paragraph of information is given under the illustration. The text hints about a Dreaming story about the Boab tree, which will be interesting to follow up.

D is for Desert Pea, and the page gives information about the plant under an illustration showing the pea in flower. In South Australia, this is known at Sturt’s Desert Pea, and again the information hints at Aboriginal stories written about this plant.

E is for Emu bush, another plant seen across arid Australia, and it has a range of types and colours, and medicinal uses are again hinted at.

I really enjoyed reading this book but found it did not go far enough. Hints about Dreaming stories need to be more specific as there are many of these stories and for the classroom teacher, it would be difficult to find these out to present to the class. Similarly with the hints at medicinal use, I would have preferred to see specific information about this.

But the range of native plants is wonderful, and children will get a basic understanding of these plants and the environments in which they grow. I can imagine classes going out to collect examples, drawing, photographing, and collecting flowers and seeds, if possible. It is worthwhile seeing if there is remnant vegetation in your area to see what plants were in the area before European settlement. Or visit a native plant nursery or find out that native plants were growing in your area and perhaps set up a native garden in your school or home, showcasing the plants that were there.

Themes: Native plants, Environment, Australia flora and fauna.

Fran Knight