Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M16, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 73.01.13a

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

Patrick O'Shanesy to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1873-01-13 [73.01.13a]. 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/1870-9/1873/73-01-13a-final.odt>, accessed June 4, 2026

1
MS found with a specimen Davallia solida var. pyxidata (MEL 2164591).
Dawson Road
Rockhampton
2
Qld.
13/1/73
Dear Dr Mueller,
I enclose a fragment of a small Tree-fern which I have just found in the neighbourhood. It is the only one to my knowledge, that has been as yet found in the neighbourd of Rockhampton. It grows on
Platycerium Alcicorne

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, but is not wholly dependant on that plant for its support as the roots penetrate deep between loose stones. As far as I have seen it only rises to the hight of 2 or 3 feet and the stem is no more than 1 inch in diameter.
The other fragment, samples of which you already have from me from Mt. Archer and Table Mt., I find to be a tree of 30-40 feet, with a white deciduous bark, exactly like that of Myrthus
3
Myrtus?
acmenoides , and the trunk is beautifully striated, or winged. You say you consider it to be unnamed, it will probably prove to be either a Myrthus, or a
Backhousia

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. I hope to be able to visit the place again in a couple of month's time when I expect to find it in flower.
Yours Sincerely
P. A. O'Shanesy
I have a quantity of this season's fruit of the Alexandra Palm which I could recommend, as I have just proved them. I could supply them at the rate of 15/ per lb.
Are the bulbs of
Eurycles Cunninghamii

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of any value? I could supply them in almost any quantity