This volume serves as a comprehensive taxonomic and identification guide to the diverse grass species found across the Australian continent. The work, originally authored by Nancy T. Burbidge and updated by Surrey W. L. Jacobs, synthesizes decades of botanical research to provide a systematic framework for identifying native and naturalized grasses. It utilizes detailed morphological descriptions and diagnostic keys to assist researchers, students, and field botanists in classifying specimens within the Poaceae family.

This text is regarded as a foundational reference for Australian agrostology, providing a rigorous technical standard for botanical identification. The collaborative revision ensures that the classification remains aligned with established scientific consensus, making it a reliable resource for academic and professional study.