Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M57, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 82.03.02

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

Thomas Stephens to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1882-03-02. 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/1880-9/1882/82-03-02-final.odt>, accessed June 5, 2026

Hobart
2nd March 1882
Dear Baron von Mueller
I have been asked for the name of the enclosed, which is becoming a troublesome weed on the North Coast. Perhaps you will kindly identify it.
Travelling lately near Port Sorrell
1
Tas. MS is accompanied with a small note by Stephens: 'Port Sorrell (Trap hills covered with drift sand)'.
I was struck with the apparently distinctive character of a dwarf Eucalyptus which grows near the Coast. It never seems to grow more than 6 ft or 8 ft high, though the common "Peppermint" which it resembles is found in the same neighbourhood of the usual size. I suppose you will only call it a variety, but if it has a name I should like to know it.
These specimens are not fit to send, having been carried in my pocket through a long and hot day's ride, but I have none better.
If you wish to make any remarks about the
Cyathea

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which I obtained from D'Entrecasteaux Channel in November last,
2
See W. Dobson to M, 4 December 1881.
I shall be happy to communicate them to the Royal Society next month, when the first meeting of the season is held.
3
M appears not to have taken up this invitation.
I am
very truly yrs
T. Stephens
E. Risdoni ?
from Mt. Dromedary
4
Tas.
Note —
Specimens obtained from a sapling, no adult tree accessible — general habit of tree more like Huon Road tree than those at Risdon.
T.S.
5
Postscript is on a separate scrap of paper attached to the letter, annotated by J. H. Willis: 'Taken from folder of Euc. tasmanica'. It may not belong with the letter.