AUSTRALIAN FLORA

• 223 p., [8] p. of plates : ill. (some col.), maps, port. ; 20 cm. #081024
• Includes index. (Name on prelim)
• Previously published: 2000.
• Bibliography: p. [217]-221.
• Brilliant debut by a wonderful popular science writer. James Woodford, the Sydney Morning Herald’s award-winning science writer, has written an enthralling detective story about evolution and natural history, the freak survival of a species that offers a window into an ecosystem 100 million years old.The Wollemi Pine is the story of this discovery, and of the tree that became an overnight celebrity. Woodford’s fascinating account is a detective story, a scientific mystery, and a timely reminder of the importance of maintaining biological diversity on our planet.Discovery of the Wollemi pine has revealed new sources of anti-cancer chemicals, and other micro-organisms with important medical applications. Now revised and updated, this brilliant debut by a popular science writer has written an enthralling detective story about evolution and natural history, the freak survival of a species that offers a window into an ecosystem 100 million years old.