"The first opportunity for both the native plant enthusiast and professional botanist to tackle the difficult family--presented in such a manner that it will make identifying the grasses a pleasure!"--Paul Martin Brown, editor, North American Native Orchid Journal   "A unique and important work that will assist many in identifying and appreciating an extremely important but challenging group of plants"--Paul A. Schmalzer, plant ecologist, Kennedy Space Center   Grasses comprise approximately a third of the Earth's vegetative cover and, as a group, have a wider distribution than any other plant family. From wheat, rice, and sugarcane to bamboo and bermudagrass, humans have depended on grasses as sources of food, food for animals, lawns, and construction material for millennia.  A Guide to Florida Grasses offers an introduction to this vital and frequently neglected plant family. This richly illustrated reference includes complete details pertaining to the identification, structure, distribution, and uses of more than 200 of the most common grasses found in Florida and nearby states.   With over 500 color images--some picturing species that have never been described with a published image--correctly identifying and selecting members of this important plant family has never been easier. Environmentalists, hikers, and nature lovers can take this book into the field or enjoy it at home. A Guide to Florida Grasses will be accessible and invaluable to professional botanists, commercial landscapers, homeowners, and plant enthusiasts alike. - from Amzon