Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS found with a specimen of Syzygium hodgkinsoniae (MEL 60195). MS annotated 'Acknowledged 7/1/91' and by M: 'Answ 28/2/91'. Letters not found.

Adraville

Hunters Hill

Sydney

3 Jan 91

Dear Baron

You may remember that I sent you some years ago, with others a drawing of a scarlet fruit, and that afterwards I sent you a part of the plant which grew from that fruit producing a tuft of what I suggested were pseudo buds (if that term may be used.)

2

See R. Fitzgerald to M, 9 December 1889, and R. Fitzgerald to M, 14 December 1889.

You informed me that you had more than once received specimens of the same tree but never in such an advanced state as that you could make use of them. I have been ever since making effort to identify this species and have at length obtained, if not flowers, buds in a so far advanced state as I think will enable you to decide what it is. If not I can soon get the flowers themselves as the tree (which is about twenty feet high) grows on the land of a friend of mine on the Richmond.

3

Richmond River, NSW.

It is I think a

Eugenia

Search for Eugenia in

• This website
• Australian Plant Name Index

but I do not think it any of those described in the Flora.

4

Bentham (1863-78).

On two specimens you will observe the curious scarlet (now dull red brown) growth which comes to nothing. I also send the rinds of two fruits which have turned black. I took out the fruits themselves as I want to grow this bush. I can send you a drawing of one of this which is dividing into two cotyledons with an attached root between if you wish for it.

I also send some other specimens from the Richmond for the names of which I would be much obliged

Is this Pithecolobium (Grandiflorum)