At head of title: A publication of the Australian Biological Resources Study, Canberra.

Featuring over 300 colour photographs, supplemented by elegant hand drawings, this book is a guide to the conspicuous algae found in the streams and lakes of Australia.

The Algae of Australia series will provide the basic systematic data necessary for issues relating to conservation, biological diversity and the management of aquatic ecosystems. For the purposes of this series 'Algae' is interpreted in a very broad sense, to cover all organisms that have traditionally been studied by phycologists, including macroalgae, unicellular and multicellular microalgae and cyanobacteria. Individual titles will range from the more traditional taxon-based accounts to regional or habitat-based treatments.

To most people, the mention of marine plants conjures up images of rotting seaweeds piled high on the beach, or slithering threateningly around bare ankles during a paddle in the shallows. Certainly, the seaweeds do not inspire the imagination or the romanticism that is usually associated with the sea. Marine Plants of Australia might well alter that perception. This third edition illustrates over 600 species of Australia's underwater plant life, mostly using underwater photographs that reveal the amazing colours and intricate patterns found in this largely unknown realm of life. Imagine plants with blue foliage that turns red in the dark, or iridescent plants, or plants that look like rocks painted in shades of pink. There are seaweeds with the consistency of jelly, or with fronds that form an intricate mesh that rivals the best lace. These plants have evolved a startling myriad of shapes, colours and patterns that will impress everyone who views them -- underwater, or through the pages of this book.