Document information

Physical location:

RB MSS M1, Library, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. 92.03.07

Plant names

Preferred Citation:

Nicholas Holtze to Ferdinand von Mueller, 1892-03-07. 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/1890-6/1892/92-03-07-final.odt>, accessed June 4, 2026

1
MS annotation by M: 'Answ 23/3/92'. Letter not found.
BOTANIC GARDEN
PORT DARWIN
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
2
The Northern Territory was annexed to SA when the Colonial Office removed it from the administration of NSW by Letters Patent signed by Queen Victoria on 6 July 1863, and remained so until 1 January 1911 when it was surrendered by SA and became a territory administered by the Commonwealth of Australia (see https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/Publications_Archive/online/NTConstitutionalMilestones ).
7th March 1892
Sir Ferd. Baron Von Mueller K.C.M.G. &c &c
Melbourne.
Dear Sir,
I examined again the scandent Bauhinia which you propose to call Holtzei
3
See M to N. Holtze, 12 December 1891.
but unfortunately it is not now in flower. I have made a note of your queries and will ascertain particulars in the proper time. The tendrils are numerous and used in fastening the plant to the vegetation around it. There is no question about it being scandet
4
scandent?
and it is in that respect quite distinct from B. Hookeri growing in the Garden, the leaves also are much larger than in that species but I have not been able to compare flowers as our plants of B. Hookeri have not yet flowered. The scandent Bauhinia I have only noticed growing in scrubs near the sea.
I will be able to examine flowers of
Sida Holtzei

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in about a months time and will then write you full particulars.
5
See M to N. Holtze, 12 January 1892, and M to N. Holtze, 16 January 1892 (in this edition as 92-01-16b). See also M to N. Holtze, 26 March 1892.
It grows naturally in the Garden.
The little verbenaceous plant sent you
6
See M to N. Holtze, 12 December 1891.
is of the natural size. It is most extraordinary how sparingly it fruits, thus partaking somewhat of the nature of
Clerodendrum Holtzei

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. It is rather common in moist sandy soil. Corolla pure white, but while in the bud, the outside is tinged lightly with pink. Flowers without smell.
Heliotropium ventricosum

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seems to be represented here only by the form sent you.
7
See M to N. Holtze, 12 December 1891.
I can distinguish 3 species of Buechnera here, two seem to be referable to B. tetragona and B. tenella and do not vary at all here in any way, the third which I cannot recognise, is very common and rather variable and has also a well marked creeping variety. Specimens of all these have been sent you, but if you like I will get fresh examples.
I hope shortly to be able to compare the flowers of the two
Monochoria

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s.
8
See M to N. Holtze, 12 January 1892.
Enclosed please find a few seeds and in separate parcel some bulbs.
Yours truly
Nicholas Holtze