Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS found with a specimen of Dendrobium gracicaule (MEL 624133). MS annotation by M: 'Answ 10/9/81'. Letter not found.

Memorandum

Dear Sir —

Many thanks for your kind not[e] in re the Queensland Orchid. I find there are several Liparis principally terestrial but the one you name I do not find in any catalogue do you think it has been introduced to Kew Gardens (England) yet Enclosed please find another Queensland Orchid. I had it as Dendrobe

3

Dendrobium?

gracile it grows on slender Pseudo Bulbs 12 to 18 inches high has 4 leaves generally on the summit same as I send you these flowers I send are paler than one plant I have the outside is considerably more spotted Red or Redish Brown interior darkish yellow green trusses longer than this a little and certainly looks both novel & handsome the spotting outside being very distinct in fact I think a good plant of it would be really very handsome — will you tell me in what work are the Orchids of Australia so far as known are described for I should very much like to see it. I am expecting a case from Mr Shaw Port Dennison

4

Port Denison, now Bowen, Qld.

from whom I had a very kind letter and promised me what he could find — one person whom I wrote to sends me word that he has on hand Calanthe alba-australis

5

The name Calanthe alba-australis has not been found (IPNI accessed 30 January 2021).

& verratrifolia

6

C. veratrifolia ?

are these distinct then Phaius alba

7

albus ?

& Sulphurea

8

The name Phaius sulphurea has not been found, but there is a Calanthe sulphurea (IPNI accessed 30 January 2021).

is not P. alba the same as Calanthe alba

9

The Calanthe alba listed in IPNI was described in 2009.

— again, Saccolabium Hillii & Persoonia

10

The name Saccolabium persoonia has not been found (IPNI accessed 30 January 2021).

are these correct & distinct again Cymbedium

11

Cymbidium?

Suave, Encifolia,

12

C. ensifolium?

& Gigantea,

13

C. giganteum?

are these correct & any good so far as flowering plants go or merely of Bot interest. — pray Excuse me Baron if I am putting you to any troble with my questions if you have but little time on your hand dont mind them I however shall be glad of the name of Enclosed with very kind regards from Mrs R & Self