Previously published: Canberra: Australian Govt. Pub. Service, c1991.

Sprinter and Sprummer challenges the traditional four seasons, and encourages us to think about how we view changes in our natural world. Since 1788, Australia has carried the yoke of four European seasons that make no sense in most parts of the country. We may like them for historical or cultural reasons, or because they are the same throughout the world, but they tell us nothing of our natural environment. It's time to reject those seasons and to adopt a system that brings us more in tune with our plants and animals – a system that helps us to notice and respond to climate change. Using examples from his 25 years working in botanic gardens, author Timothy Entwisle illustrates how our natural world really responds to seasonal changes in temperature, rainfall and daylight, and why it would be better to divide up the year based on what Australian plants do rather than ancient rites of the Northern Hemisphere. Sprinter and Sprummer opens with the origins and theory of the traditional seasonal system, and goes on to review the Aboriginal seasonal classifications used across Australia. Entwisle then proposes a new five-season approach, explaining the characteristics of each season, along with the biological changes that define them. The book uses seasons to describe the fascinating triggers in the life of a plant (and plant-like creatures), using charismatic flora such as carnivorous plants, the Wollemi Pine and orchids, as well as often overlooked organisms such as fungi. The final chapter considers climate change and how the seasons are shifting whether we like it or not.

The book provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge about "wattles", a large clade of over 1000 species of trees and shrubs in the genus Acacia, most of which are native to Australia. It examines the biology, ecology, evolution, and biogeography of wattles in their native ranges, including the evolutionary forces that have driven past speciation and adaptation to diverse environments, the conservation status, uses and human perceptions of these species. It considers the different histories of the introductions and proliferation of wattles as alien species in different parts of the world since c. 1850 (the Anthropocene), situated within relevant political, socio-economic and scientific contexts, together with an analysis of how awareness of their impacts as invasive species has changed over time. Differences in the dynamics and trends associated with the introduction, naturalization and invasion of wattles in different parts of the world are reviewed. The book also synthesizes the global distribution of wattles using diverse data sources, alongside trends, patterns and projections of global uses of wattles. It discusses the genetics, biotic interactions, and ecological, economic and social impacts of invasive wattles. This book is aimed at academics and students in the field of ecology, and at managers of natural and anthropic ecosystems, policy-makers and regulators, and the general public interested in biology and environmental science.

"Whether a small plot in the backyard of an inner-urban home or a capital city's sprawling botanic garden, Australians have long desired a patch of dirt to plough or enjoy. 'Reading the garden' explores our deep affection for gardens and gardening and illuminates their numerous meanings and uses from European settlement to the late twentieth century."--Cover.

Acacias: The Genus Acacia (sensu lato) is an evidence-based treatment of this supergenus, through the eyes of a clinical pharmacognosist and integrative medicine specialist. The book begins with antiviral activity, revealing within the five genera of Acacia s.l., pharmacological properties and pharmacologically active compounds. Profiles of prominent species within these genera, including photographs, accompany the narrative of current research and traditional usage into antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antidiabetic, metabolic syndrome ameliorative, and psychotherapeutic potential. Features Comprehensive treatment of the entire Acacia sensu lato genus Aids ethnopharmacological prospectors of new sources of novel botanically based medicines for modern metabolic and psychiatric diseases Illuminates the presence of psychedelic simple substituted tryptamines in trees and their medical and psychotherapeutic potential Continuing in the tradition of the previous volumes of the esteemed Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Industrial Profiles series, Acacias: The Genus Acacia (sensu lato) provides a unique and comprehensive coverage of one of the most interesting and diverse genera of trees, firmly entrenched in the Levant, Africa, Australia, the Far East, and the New World. The influence of these genera on pharmacy and industry (especially through gum arabic, wildcrafted in Africa from Senegalia senegal), human consciousness, the advent and development of religions, planetary ecology, botanical therapeutics, and the emergence of psychedelic medicine reflect both the history of our species and the transformative promise of tomorrow.

A tribute to Australia's national floral emblem, with historical and botanical information, poems, stories and songs about wattle, and a regional list of species.

Celebrate Around The Calendar is a must for every household. Its main attraction may be the journal portion for recording personal information, such as birthdays, anniversaries, milestones, other lifecycle events as well as interesting accomplishments to be passed down through future generations. Holidays are part of the history segment and coincides with the recipe that is geared to that day's event or location. Scattered throughout the 366 days are 192 "countries" representing a large part of our world. The event selected to represent each day is connected to the Gregorian calendar and is therefore repeated each and every year on the same date. Holidays that fall according to the Lunar calendar may change the day each year and are therefore purposely omitted from the book. "A calendar that teaches world history and culture by providing a nice bite size lesson for every day of the year is an inspired idea. The addition of recipes from each country means that you'll not only get smarter, you'll also get hungry. I can hardly wait to try them." -Daniel M. Kimmel, film critic and author of The Fourth Network and The Dream Team

Introduce elementary children to six areas of the world-Japan, Italy, Hawaii, Australia, Kenya, and Brazil. Using an integrated approach to authentic learning and assessment and to literacy development, activities teach children about family life, school, games, crafts (such as origami), foods, language, customs, and celebrations. Spend two weeks or two months exploring each country, choosing from the wealth of activities and resources provided. Grades K-6.

Imagined Londons explores the diverse ways that Britain's "global city" has been imagined and represented in literature, history, the arts, and popular culture, from the mid–nineteenth century to the present day. American and British contributors examine a variety of topics, ranging from poetry to architecture, from dance music to gay pornography, from "tube" maps to the role of Bangladeshi communities in shaping contemporary London politics. Broadly interdisciplinary and deeply attentive to London's historical diversity, the book is unified by its attention to a single question: How have the many imaginations and representations of London shaped—and been shaped by—history and culture? The answers provided within this volume offer the chance to view London in surprising new ways.