Weedlings and Seedlings –A field guide to seedling identification for bush regeneration – Rusty Linnane

Weedlings and Seedlings by Rusty LinnaneReviewed by Spencer Shaw

Self-Published by the Author 2024

RRP $28.00  195 Pages

Sales: rustleinthetrees@outlook.com

Back in about 1999 I had my first taste of Bush Regen, working with Robyn Becket at a site called Drapers Crossing, just north of Brisbane, Queensland. What I lacked in Bush Regen technique and knowledge, I was able to assist with rainforest seedling identification, having been a collector and grower of rainforest plants for just a few years at this stage, but long enough to recognise different species as seedlings, which of course is crucial when you’re practising assisted natural regeneration. Being familiar with seedlings of natives and weeds was a fundamental piece of my growth as a bush regenerator.

You may have studied bush regen, but are you still a novice at flora ID? or have you recently moved to a new location, with unfamiliar flora and you’re unsure of the seedlings in the regen site you’re working on? Can you tell the difference between Neolitsea dealbata and Cinnamomum camphora or can you tell your Archontophoenix cunninghamiana from Syagrus romanzoffiana? Resources you could use to help bring you up to assist with identification of flora, include books, web pages and apps, but these are generally aimed at the identification of plants at a mature stage, with flowers, fruits and mature foliage. Identification of seedlings is rarely if ever covered and yet it would be such a crucial resource for bush regenerators … and when you think about it, it is a resource just waiting to happen!

And at last, it has happened. Rusty Linnane has just self-published his book “Weedlings and Seedlings – A field guide to seedling identification for bush regeneration”, a very handy little field guide applicable to the higher rainfall ecosystems in SE QLD and Nth NSW.  Species listed in this book number 168 species in total, with a focus on environmental weed seedlings and look-alike native / indigenous plants. Each species has a page dedicated to it, that includes a clear image of each species at the seedling stage, generally cotyledons and a few subsequent sets of leaves, viewed from above, just as you are likely to see them yourself. Common, botanical names and family are given, plus key identification features, basic botanical description, ecosystem’s, leaf arrangement and form.

Congratulations to Rusty on putting this great little book together, a great addition to any Bush Regenerators library. If it doesn’t cover your area, hopefully it might provide inspiration for many more seedling and weedling books to come!

The Forest Wars: The ugly truth about what’s happening in our tall forests – David Lindenmayer

The Forest Wars by David LindenmyerISBN:9781761470752

Publisher:Allen & Unwin, 12th March 2024

Paperback. 288 pages, $34.99

Reviewed by Louise Brodie

David Lindenmayer is well known for his work in forest ecology, resource management, and biodiversity conservation, plus many books on land management and the environment.

This book looks at the destruction of native forests and lets us know the mess that is being made in the harvesting of native forests and the lack of sound reason for doing this – generally financed by governments. The book is very clearly set out and David debunks the myths which are used to suggest harvesting of native forest is a great thing. A must read, especially for those who would like to learn more.