Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M1, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 90.04.09

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

John Larner to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1890-04-09. 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/1890-6/1890/90-04-09-final.odt>, accessed June 13, 2026

1
MS found with a specimen of Pennantia cunninghamii (MEL 80332). MS annotation by M: 'Answ 16/4/90'. Letter not found.
West Kempsey
2
NSW.
9th April 1890.
To the Right Honorable, Baron Von Mueller,
Hoping that I am not trespassing on your valuable time, I humbly request that you will kindly extend your favour to me. Enclosed are the seeds and leaves of a scrub tree. Unfortunately the flowers have all disappeared.
The tree is locally known as the Pencil-wood, and the berries are particularly relished by all Tree-feeding Pigeons.
Dr Casement, an enthusiast, says the tree is also known as the Pigeon Berry — Litsoea
3
Litsaea?
Dealbata — one of the
Laurineae

Search for Laurineae in

. However, he would not be sure, without seeing the stamens.
Would you kindly make out (if possible with the meagre information sent) the Class and Order to which the tree belongs. By doing so you will help me over a difficulty for which I shall feel deeply grateful. The Berries when ripe are smooth, of a bluish black colour, and hang in clusters, the flowers being in racemes. The average height of the tree is about 30 or 40 ft.
The want of a work on Botany suitable to young Australian botanists is a great draw-back.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordships most obedient servant
John. K. Larner.
Address: —
J. K Larner,
West Kempsey
McLeay River
N.S.W.