Australian Rainforest Plant Identification
In 2018 Gwen published the 2nd edition of Rainforest Trees and Shrubs (the “Red Book”), authored by Gwen Harden, Bill McDonald and John Williams.
Due to changes in technology and the interest of users, the information in the earlier field guides was expanded and developed into interactive keys and multimedia information packages using Lucid Builder. These were prepared by Gwen Harden, Hugh Nicholson, Bill McDonald, Nan Nicholson, Terry Tame and John Williams and released as a USB in 2014 and as a Mobile app in 2016.
Following substantial updates and additions, 2nd editions were released in 2024. The “USB”, Rainforest Plants of Australia – Rockhampton to Victoria, was released as a Desktop app for computers and laptops in March 2024. Followed shortly after by the 2nd edition Mobile app (phones and tablets), Rainforest Plants of Australia – Rockhampton to Victoria.
Why We Are Unique
The 2nd edition Rainforest Trees and Shrubs book and the interactive digital keys in Rainforest Plants of Australia – Rockhampton to Victoria are based on the earlier field guides developed at the University of New England, Armidale by John Williams, Gwen Harden and Bill McDonald.
- Interactive keys to 1156 species of rainforest trees, shrubs and climbing plant
- Fact sheets for each of the 1156 species (increase of 16)
- 70 name changes for species as well as family name changes included
- Descriptions and many geographical distributions have been updated to reflect present knowledge
- Key uses readily found features of rainforest plants, e.g. leaves and twigs
- The keys are user-friendly as botanical terminology has been kept to a minimum
- All features and states used in the key are described and illustrated with line drawings
- Illustrated sections assist users not familiar with rainforest plants to recognize features and become confident in identifying these plants
- Detailed guide takes you through the main features of the app and how to use the key.
- Sections on What is Rainforest and Myrtle Rust
- Fact sheets and rainforest types are enhanced by the most amazing, coloured photos compiled by Hugh Nicholson
- Majority of photos taken by Hugh especially for this project (c. 13,000 in Desktop App and 8,000 in Mobile App)
- This interactive key has been constructed on Lucid Builder 4, and the program is powered by Lucid
The Authors
Our common interest is rainforests and the desire to know more about them and the amazing plants that make up these complex communities.