Document information
Physical location:
RB MSS M95, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 83.03.07aPreferred Citation:
Archibald McDowall to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1883-03-07 [83.03.07a]. R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora, J.H. Voigt and Monika Wells (eds), Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, <https://vmcp.rbg.vic.gov.au/id/83-03-07a>, accessed September 11, 2025
Queensland
Department of Public Lands,
District Survey Office,
Maryborough
7th March
1883
MEMORANDUM:
To
Baron Von Mueller K.C.M.G.
Melbourne
Re Encephalartos Douglasii
Macrozamia Douglasii (or Coolbine of Fraser Island)
Upon Reexamination I find the stem rarely reaches three (3) feet in height above ground
two (2) feet six
(6) inches being the usual size of the large specimens — though reaching four (4) feet
underneath the surface. I measured one specimen 2 ft 9½ in above ground
Diameter of stem fifteen (15) inches Greatest length of leaves seven (7) feet. These
may be considered the dimensions of the largest specimens
1
'I measured … above ground'
m
arginal addition by McDowall:.
Cannot find any wool
There may be said to be no spiral curvature worth mentioning — either lateral or longitudinal
— the young leaves growing up straight & closed like the palms. I send some young
leaves tied with the others — but they have been cut too short and are falling asunder.
A. McDowall
2
P.S. I have sent 34 gals methyld
spirit to Miva Crossing
and Orphant
tells me he has one Ceratodus 2½ feet long
3
methylated.
4
Qld.
5
James Orphant, licensee of Miva Hotel.
Encephalartos Douglasii
Macrozamia Douglasii