Document information

Physical location:

Letters received, book 5, no. 524, Borough Council Records, Warrnambool, Victoria. 78.11.20

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to Charles Cramer, 1878-11-20. 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/1870-9/1878/78-11-20-final.odt>, accessed May 7, 2026

1
For a summary of this letter see Warrnambool standard, 28 November 1878, p. 2.
20/11/78
The plant sent by you, dear Mr Kramer, is the British Sea-Rocket (
Cakile maritima

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), which grows also on various of our coasts. I have always advised to encouraged the growth of this plant, as it is in no way noxious and will thrive on the very edge of high-water mark, helping to solidify the sand. No doubt, the seeds sent to Warrnambool 2 or 3 years ago of several sand-reeds to bind the drift sand will under proper care there have germinated as at Queenscliff,
2
Vic.
so that you ought now be locally in the position to multiply these sand-reeds from roots. The Cakile is only annual, and altho it freely disseminates itself, it cannot fix the drift in the permanent and deep way as the tall sandgrasses with long creeping roots
With best respects
Ferd. von Mueller
3
MS annotation by H. Read: 'Baron Von Mueller | 20/11/78 — Plant found near Beach'.
M's letter was read at a council meeting on 26 November 1878 where it was agreed that the letter be received '& thanks of Council be tendered for information' (Minute book 8, p. 442). See also C. Cramer to M, 9 December 1878.