The correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller: ¶ This plant is known to settlers, and bushmen by the name of Native Tea, and is used by them whenever they run short of Tea and Sugar, this plant when boiled answering for both. ¶ ¶ I fell in with ...

Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M1, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 79.00.00b

Preferred Citation:

William Webb to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1879 [79.00.00b]. 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/1870-9/1879/79-00-00b-final.odt>, accessed June 15, 2026

MS found with a specimen of Melaleuca sp. (MEL 2178859), recorded on M's label as having been collected by W. Webb at Albany, WA in 1879 (AVH, accessed 10 June 2022).

This plant is known to settlers, and bushmen by the name of Native Tea, and is used by them whenever they run short of Tea and Sugar, this plant when boiled answering for both.

I fell in with two men who had been drinking it for a month and they declare is

it?

gives a good appitite and is fatening

If convenient I would be glad if you would kindly give me a little information on the properties of the plant

W. W.