To William Hooker   7 May 1864

Melbourne bot Garden

7/5/64.

Dear Sir William.

It is with much pleasure that I renew my attempt of introducing a few prominently interesting plants into your noble establishment and therewith into Europe. Mr. W. Burrow, formerly Mayor of the town of Geelong, one of our most respected citizens, has this time taken kindly charge of this little consignment and as he is very fond of horticulture himself he is certain to give the plants now transmitted again to you a judicious treatment during the voyage.¹ If you will kindly afford Mr Burrow some facilities to see the Kew Gardens, I shall regard this a particular favor.

The plants now forwarded would all thrive in an Erica House; but Tetragonia implexicoma may prove hardy in Britain. It is, as you are aware, an esculent, and recommends itself further by the expansive growth of each individual plant and its climbing habit. One plant covers often very many square yards of ground. It would be very interesting if the species could be naturalized on the southern shores of England & Ireland. Vicinity of the sea is by no means necessary for its existence, altho in a natural state the plant follows only the rocky or sandy beach, over which it beautifully trailes.

It seeds scarcely ever.

With the sincerest wishes for you health I remain,

dear Sir William,

Your profoundly regardful

Ferd. Mueller

Tetragonia implexicoma