Document information

Physical location:

87.02.00b

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

Ferdinand von Mueller to Edwin Haviland, 1887-02 [87.02.00b]. 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/1880-9/1887/87-02-00b-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

1
Letter not found. The text given here is from 'Notes and exhibits’, an account of items discussed at the meeting of the Linnean Society of NSW, 23 February 1887, Proceedings of the Linnean Society of News South Wales, New series, vol. 2, p. 141 (B87.05.07). It is introduced by ' Mr. E. Haviland exhibited a specimen of the aquatic plant
Ethulia conyzoides

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, found by the Rev. F. E. Haviland in a lagoon in the Richmond River district, and read the following extract from a letter from Baron von Mueller relative thereto:'
The specimen sent to M is at MEL, number 2159775.
Your plant is a highly interesting addition to the Australian flora. It is the
Ethulia conyzoides

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of Linnaeus, the son, who described it in 1762, from an Indian specimen. Since then it has been traced to many parts of tropical Asia; also to Madagascar and to Africa, from the entrance of the Nile to Senegal and Natal; but it has never been found in Europe. If there is no reason to suppose that the plant has been introduced through traffic or cultural circumstances, perhaps you will send a note to the Linnean Society of N. S. Wales on its occurrence near you. It is a good instance to show how valuable any sendings may prove for extending our knowledge of the geographical distribution of plants, and is also a proof of the manner in which aquatic plants become overlooked on account of their inaccessibility.
2
The text continues: 'Mr. E. Haviland stated that, after careful enquiry, he is satisfied that the plant has not been introduced, but is indigenous to Australia.'