Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M16, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 76.11.13

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

Patrick O'Shanesy to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1876-11-13. 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/1870-9/1876/76-11-13-final.odt>, accessed June 16, 2026

1
MS found with a specimen of
Portulaca oleracea

Search for Portulaca oleracea in

(MEL 26694).
Rockhampton
2
Qld.
Novr 13 1876
Dear Baron Mueller
I enclose you another Portulaca which I consider a new species. It differs from P. oleracea in its much larger flowers, its longer style and fewer style branches, (3 or 4) its differently shaped leaves, which have a beautiful crystalline appearance, without any traces of venation. The leaves too are crowded at the ends of the branches and are much thicker than those of P. oleracea .
If it proves to be a new species you would oblige by calling it P. crystallina .
3
The name has not been found in any publication (APNI, IPNI, accessed 3 June 2023).
I shall soon be able to send you samples of the other doubtful species.
Hoping that you are enjoying good health
I am
Dear Baron
Sincerely yours
P. A. O'Shanesy