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 revised and updated edition illustrates over 640 species of Australia’s underwater plant life, with 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, iridescent plants, and 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 which 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.

Marine Plants of Australia is fully referenced and has numerous descriptions and line drawings, detailing many of the intricacies of this surprisingly complex group of plants. It is an invaluable identification guide for scientists and teachers or for anyone interested in the natural world.

“It is one of the most comprehensive identification books of marine plants written to date and highly recommended as a marine plant reference book.” – Jennifer Johnson, Growing Australian December edition 2023

The cover and endpapers of Marine Plants of Australia feature Angela Rossen's artwork Elizabeth Reef. Rossen is Western Australian artist and biodiversity educator.