Document information

Physical location:

RBG Kew, Kew correspondence, Australia, Mueller, 1871-81, f. 168. 75.09.23

Preferred Citation:

Joseph Augustine to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1875-09-23. 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/1870-9/1875/75-09-23-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

1
M has written on the back of the letter : Can Dr Hooker kindly inform me, what this plant is, and if of value procure the seeds. F. V. M.
Annotations by Joseph Hooker(?) on front page in pencil: DO and in ink An. (letter not found); and on the back of the sheet in ink by Joseph Hooker(?): Tremoço | = Lupinus albus. In another hand in ink: Written to Gr[…].
Stanley
2
Near Beechworth, Vic.
23rd Sept 1875,
Baron Von Mueller Gov Botanist
Sir
I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your kind reply to my previous note respecting the seed of the Tramoso.
The seeds of this plant would be easily procurable at St Michael's, in the Western Islands,
3
São Miguel, Azores?
and would be at once recognisable by the name Tramoso, and I have no doubt they would be gladly procured by the British Consul there at your request.
I shall, very probably, be in Melbourne during the coming Summer, and I shall do myself the honour of waiting upon and explain more fully the use of the plant, mode of cultivation &c.
4
M's account of Lupinus albus in B76.13.03, p. 121, includes: 'It is famed as the "Tramoso" in Portugal, to suppress sorrel and other obstinate weeds by its close and easy growth. The lentil-like seeds … through boiling or soaking in salt water, become edible'. Similar passages occur in later editions of the work, e.g., B85.13.26, p. 204.
I have the honour to be Sir
Your obedient Servant
Joseph Augustine