Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M1, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 89.12.12a

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

John Reid to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1889-12-12 [89.12.12a]. 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/1880-9/1889/89-12-12a-final.odt>, accessed June 5, 2026

1
MS found with a specimen of
Hibbertia volubilis

Search for Hibbertia volubilis in

(MEL 1009850). MS annotation by M: 'Answ 14/12/89'. Letter not found. See also J. Reid to M, 11 December 1889.
COFFEE PALACE
GRAND CENTRAL
151 CLARENCE ST.
SYDNEY
Dec 12 1889
Dear Sir —
By this post I have sent you Chrissine, Chrissic Acid, specimen of plant at Manly Beach
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Sydney Harbour.
known as H. volubilis,
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Hibbertia volubilis

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.
with seeds & seed capsule.
Enclosed please find resume of characters — more correct than those previously sent. I [...] I noted in my last that the stems had prickles. This is incorrect. The prickles are on the edge of the leaves. The hairy stems are noticeable in the Coraki
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Northern coast of NSW.
Specimen.
Probably the distinctions are due to different habitat & do not alter the name of the plant. Your knowledge of plants will at once set me right. I am sorry to give you so much trouble — more especially in your advanced age.
With best wishes
Yours faithfully
John Reid
Baron Sir F. Von Müller K.C.M.G
&c.&c
5
What follows is on a separate sheet.
Hibbertia volubilis

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—
Will you kindly inform me if the plant at Coraki is identical with that found at Manly —
In Coraki plant
In Manly plant.
Stem — always small, & at times creeps round plants. Hairy —
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A small diagram indicates anticlockwise twining: .
(?)
Stem is at times thick almost ½ inch in diameter especially in poor soils. Not markedly hairy . — Not observed creeping round plants.
Leaves — have prickles on red base at edges
Leaves : prickles absent — Leaves smaller (?).
Flowers — exstipulate
Flowers — with one stipule
Ovaries — with ∞
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i.e. a large indefinite number.
ovules attached to axle placenta.
Ovaries — with 3 or 4 ovules attached basally & centrally. Pistil persists.
(?)
Seeds — three in each of 8 achenes
(?)
Seed Capsule — of a somewhat lunar Shape & persistent calyx necrose
Ovary or Pistil has sickly odour
Ovary or pistil has sickly odour
& oblige
yours &c
John Reid
Dec 12 89