The correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller: ¶ The Karaka, or Corynocarpus, is certainly among the most magnificent trees we could select for our avenues. Its deep dark green foliage affords a more perfect shade then that of most trees and the ...

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Physical location:

65.06.00b

Plant names

Corynocarpus
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Pittosporum
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Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to the Australasian, 1865-06 [65.06.00b]. 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//letters/1860-9/1865/65-06-00b-final.odt>, accessed June 5, 2026

MS not found. The text given here is from 'The Karaka', in 'Notes and Queries', Australasian, 1 July 1865, p. 9 (B65.07.11). It follows a letter from Chas. Brown, Taranaki, NZ, announcing that he is sending 'about half a bushel of seed of the Karaka, ( laevigata),' and asking for Australian seeds of several genera in return. Brown cautioned that the 'seed requires to be sown without delay'. The Editor introduced M's letter with 'We are much obliged to Mr. Brown for his interesting and valuable present. When the package of seed comes to hand we shall hand it to Dr. Mueller, the Government Botanist of Victoria, who has promised to give in exchange the seeds our correspondent desires. Dr. Mueller has also favoured us with the following memorandum in reference to Mr. Brown's letter:—'.

The Karaka, or , is certainly among the most magnificent trees we could select for our avenues. Its deep dark green foliage affords a more perfect shade then that of most trees and the aspect of large trees in their native forests is said to be indescribably grand. It is not of quick growth, but certainly a hardy plant, equally ready to cope with drought and with frost. I would direct the thoughtful sender's attention to the desirability of rendering also the species of of New Zealand, nearly a dozen kinds, largely accessible to us. These beautiful trees are restricted to the islands, can more only from there be obtained until they are seed-bearing elsewhere, and no extensive garden of the warmer temperate zone should be without them.

Unlike the seed of the Kanaka, that of the Pittospora will retain its power of germination for some time, and thus great facilities exist for the distribution of these desirable trees over distant countries.